UK to keep sanctions against Russia until Moscow pays compensation to Ukraine

The United Kingdom on Monday passed legislation that will allow it to maintain sanctions against Russia until Moscow pays compensation to Ukraine.

That's according to the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Ukrinform reports, citing Reuters.

"As Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion, the terrible impacts of Putin’s war are clear. Ukraine’s reconstruction needs are – and will be – immense," British foreign minister James Cleverly said.

"Through our new measures today, we’re strengthening the UK’s sanctions approach, affirming that the UK is prepared to use sanctions to ensure Russia pays to repair the country it has so recklessly attacked", according to the statement.

It is noted that since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine last year, Britain has frozen more than $23 billion in assets and imposed sanctions on more than 1,550 Russians, including Roman Abramovich, the former owner of Chelsea Football Club.

The British government also said that sanctioned Russians who claim to support Ukraine will now have a new way to donate their frozen funds to Ukraine's recovery.

"This will be a voluntary process whereby sanctioned individuals may apply for funds to be released for the express purpose of supporting Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction," the government said in a statement.

"There will be no coercion of individuals to encourage them to transfer funds, nor any offer of sanctions relief in return for making a donation," the government added.

As Ukrinform reported, on Monday, June 19, President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak the expansion of Ukraine's capabilities on the battlefield, preparations for the NATO summit in Vilnius, the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and increased sanctions pressure on Russia.