June 16, 2025 – London/Canada
The United Kingdom is set to introduce a fresh package of sanctions targeting Russia, aimed at restricting Moscow’s ability to continue its military operations in Ukraine. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the move on Tuesday, stating the measures would increase economic pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace.
Speaking at the G7 summit in Alberta, Canada, Sir Keir emphasized that the sanctions would focus on curbing Russia’s military-industrial complex and squeezing its energy revenues — a critical source of funding for the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“The fact is, Russia doesn’t hold all the cards,” Starmer said, highlighting the coordinated efforts of the UK and its allies to maintain pressure on Moscow. However, details of the sanctions package remain under wraps as G7 discussions continue.
Despite the UK’s push, US President Donald Trump expressed opposition to additional sanctions during the summit. Trump, who cut his visit short due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, described sanctions as costly to the United States and indicated skepticism about their effectiveness.
“Sanctions are not that easy. It’s not just a one-way street,” Trump remarked, adding that he was waiting to see if a negotiated settlement between Russia and Ukraine might emerge before endorsing new punitive measures.
Trump also criticized Russia’s exclusion from the G7, calling it “a mistake” that complicates international relations. Russia was expelled from the group in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea, a move supported by then-US President Barack Obama and other world leaders.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials reported fresh casualties from Russian attacks, with 14 people killed in Kyiv overnight following drone and missile strikes. This latest violence underscores the urgency cited by the UK and its allies in applying economic pressure on Russia.
Downing Street confirmed the UK-led sanctions aim to further weaken Russia’s capacity to finance its “illegal war” but withheld specifics until the G7 summit outcomes are finalized.
The unfolding diplomatic dynamics at the G7 summit reveal a divide between Western allies on how best to respond to the ongoing conflict, as efforts continue to seek a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine.
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