Liz Truss goes nuclear as new law to cripple Russia in explosive warning to Vladimir Putin | World | News


The new laws mean further individuals close to the Russian leadership and implicated in the tensions over Ukraine could face heavy penalties. The Foreign Office said: “The UK can now sanction not just those linked directly to the destabilisation of Ukraine, but also Government of Russia affiliated entities and businesses of economic and strategic significance to the Russian government, as well as their owners, directors and trustees.”

However, no individuals or organisations have been specifically named, despite the Foreign Office warning the sanctions would be triggered immediately in the event of an incursion.

The laws came into effect at 5pm on Thursday.

Russia has denied intentions to invade the former Soviet state, despite having 100,000 troops stationed on the Ukrainian border.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “The UK is resolute in its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and right to self-determination. 

“We urge Russia to de-escalate and choose the path of diplomacy.

“If Russia persists with its aggression towards Ukraine the UK and its partners will not hesitate to act.”

This comes as Boris Johnson visits Poland and Brussels to caution the Kremlin that tensions over the Ukraine crisis were at “the most dangerous moment”, with Russian troops still stationed at the Ukrainian border.

Addressing the media from Brussels, Mr Johnson said he hoped “patient diplomacy” and “strong deterrence” would pay off amid “very high” stakes.

READ MORE: Putin panics as luxury yacht flees port after Liz Truss ultimatum

He added: “They say Russia is waiting until the ground freezes like a stone so its tanks can easily cross into Ukrainian territory.

“I think the ground was like that today with our British colleagues, from which numerous facts that we produced bounced off.”

Ms Truss retaliated by challenging Mr Lavrov’s statement that the Russian military build-up on the Ukrainian border is not threatening the sovereignty of the ex-Soviet nation.

She said: “I can’t see any other reason for having 100,000 troops stationed on the border, apart from to threaten Ukraine.

“And if Russia is serious about diplomacy, they need to remove those troops and desist from the threats.”

She added: “No one is undermining Russia’s security – that is simply not true.”

Ahead of the trip, the Foreign Secretary said: “Russia has a choice here.

“We strongly encourage them to engage, de-escalate and choose the path of diplomacy.”



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