- All major Russian banks will have their assets frozen and be excluded from the UK financial system, inhibiting them from accessing sterling and clearing payments through the UK
- Russian companies and the state will be prevented from borrowing money or raising finance on UK markets
- A suspension of dual-use export licences to cover components which can be used for military purposes and ceasing exports of high-tech items and oil refinery equipment.
“The UK is announcing the largest and most severe package of economic sanctions that Russia has ever seen”
‘Freedom Day’ in England was overshadowed last Thursday as Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine, with troops attacking the country from the north, south and east. The European Union hailed the invasion as one of the darkest hours for Europe since World War II, warning Russia will be hit with ‘massive sanctions.’ Major Western nations have reacted with outrage, with many world leaders condemning Russian actions.
Ukrainian forces and civilians continue to vehemently defend their country. Defiant Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to stay in Kyiv as his troops battle Russian military, citing, “We are all here. We are defending our independence, our country.” According to the United Nations, more than 600,000 civilians have now fled Ukraine.
As the tragic humanitarian cost unfolds, the invasion will clearly have significant global economic, geopolitical and investment implications. On 24 February, Boris Johnson gave a statement to the House of Commons, declaring, “Now we have a clear mission: diplomatically, politically, economically – and eventually, militarily – this hideous and barbaric venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure. At the G7 meeting this afternoon, we agreed to work in unity to maximise the economic price that Putin will pay for his aggression, and this must include ending Europe’s collective dependence on Russian oil and gas that has served to empower Putin for too long… For our part, today the UK is announcing the largest and most severe package of economic sanctions that Russia has ever seen.”
UK sanctions announced by the Prime Minister include: