Local MP welcomes Government sanctions against Russia
Rob Butler, MP for Aylesbury, has welcomed the Government’s imposition of sanctions against Russian banks and individuals after Russia ordered troops into parts of eastern Ukraine.
Rob said:
“I strongly welcome the Government’s fast action in announcing sanctions targeting Russian economic interests. President Putin’s recognition of the ‘Donetsk People’s Republic’ and ‘Luhansk People’s Republic’ as independent states and then ordering troops into eastern Ukraine proves what western countries have been saying for weeks – he is itching to invade an independent, sovereign country. He has shown complete disregard for the UN Charter and Russia’s commitments under the Minsk agreements and made a blatant attack on Ukraine’s right to self-determination.”
The sanctions announced today (Tuesday, 22nd February) by the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, will target five Russian banks and three billionaires. The measures are intended to have a wider knock-on impact on the Russian economy and government. The Prime Minister has made clear that this is only the “first barrage” of sanctions and that the measures will be extended and toughened if Putin further escalates the situation in Ukraine.
Rob added:
“The Kremlin’s actions cannot go unpunished and require a swift and firm response. I am very pleased that the United Kingdom is coordinating with our allies and partners to deliver swift sanctions against Putin’s regime. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine.”