Embassy comment on new and "the largest" UK sanctions package against Russia
Russian Embassy to the UKA new wave of illegitimate sanctions, imposed by London on 24 February 2025, on the occasion of the third anniversary of the launch of the Special Military Operation, contrary to statements made by UK officials, is anything but "unprecedented".
It is yet another reenactment of the now tiresome sanction ritual, albeit slightly more vigorous than usual, necessitated by the British establishment ahead of the highly publicised trip of Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Washington.
Evidently, London is growing increasingly confident about its ability to convince the new U.S. administration of its "prowess", if not in the realm of increasing defense spending, then at least in the domain of multiplying harmful anti-Russian self-restraints. This time, a score of companies, individuals and commercial vessels were included in what seems like a "hodgepodge" action timed to coincide with a significant date. The majority of the targeted entities and persons, however, have no connection to Russia or the Ukraine conflict.
Naturally, the British government is well aware that such measures are futile and serve only to tarnish the image and business reputation of the United Kingdom itself.
It is doubtful that anyone added to the "blacklist" had actually been eager to visit Britain in the first instance. Having severed nearly all ties to Russia, London has effectively removed itself from the list of attractive destinations for business and even tourist trips.
As for threats from the UK Home Office and the Ministry of Defense to ban entry to the UK for Russian citizens who "provide support to the Russian state", this is not new either. This definition would encompass 87% of the Russian population. According to public opinion surveys, this is the proportion of Russian citizens who currently support the political course charted by President Vladimir Putin.
Apparently, the Labour government believed the security of the UK to be so enfeebled that nearly all Russian citizens seem to pose a threat to it. Consequently, we will advise our fellow citizens to take this into account when planning trips abroad.
Attempts to exert economic pressure against Russia are in vain. Our country has successfully adapted to the West’s unilateral restrictive measures.
By the end of 2024, Russia’s GDP growth stood at around 4%. Our economy ranks 4th in the world by purchasing power parity. Key macroeconomic indicators remain sound. We are among the top ten manufacturing nations, whilst the UK has recently dropped down from this ranking.
The British economy, by contrast, is facing hard times. The pursuit of short-term political ambitions, coupled with ill-considered steps taken in an anti-Russian frenzy, is costing the country a fortune. Experts put the annual losses at tens of billions of pounds. Yet, the burden of shrinking incomes and falling living standards is barely felt by those who make the decisions here.
Against this background, the moment chosen by London to whip up the sanctions hysteria is quite symbolic — at a delicate time when the foundations of the future Ukraine settlement process are being shaped in line with the Russia-US agreements.
Much as on the eve of the Special Military Operation and in the spring of 2022, the British establishment does not sit well with the prospect of a peaceful détente in Europe.
Therefore, despite having all the means to support efforts to find a solution to the Ukraine crisis, London repeatedly opts for confrontation and coercive pressure.
All of this ultimately highlights the extent of the entrenched anti-Russian trajectory pursued by the UK government. At the same time, it firmly cements London's place, as many here like to say, "on the wrong side of history".