UK leads fresh wave of Russia sanctions, joined by EU’s toughest package yet, as Zelenskyy urges US to ramp up pressure for lasting ceasefire and peace
Britain has announced a sweeping new wave of sanctions on Russia, prompting praise from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said the measures would help pressure Moscow towards ending its war in Ukraine. The announcement, made on Tuesday, includes 100 new sanctions targeting Russian financial institutions, military suppliers, and oil shipping operations.
The UK sanctions come as part of a coordinated effort with the European Union, which unveiled its 17th and most extensive sanctions package the same day. Speaking after a phone call with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Zelenskyy said London’s decision was a strong step in the right direction — but urged the United States to also increase pressure on the Kremlin.
“I thanked [Prime Minister Starmer] for the new British sanctions, which help pressure Russia toward peace. Only coercion will work,” Zelenskyy posted on X, formerly Twitter. “It would be good if the United States also helped.”
The UK’s new sanctions, detailed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, target dozens of institutions and individuals enabling Russia’s war machine. This includes 46 financial entities accused of helping Moscow evade earlier sanctions, 18 vessels in Russia’s shadow oil fleet, and 14 members of the Kremlin-backed Social Design Agency, which is said to conduct information operations aimed at undermining democracy abroad. The St Petersburg Currency Exchange and Russia’s Deposit Insurance Agency were also blacklisted.
“These sanctions are designed to further erode Putin’s capacity to fund his war and to disrupt the logistics that allow Russia’s military aggression to continue,” the British government stated. Zelenskyy welcomed the UK’s role in sustaining international pressure, noting that further measures were already in preparation with other European allies.
In their call, Zelenskyy and Starmer also discussed Ukraine’s broader diplomatic strategy, potential meetings to secure a ceasefire, and joint action within the so-called Coalition of the Willing — a network of nations committed to supporting Ukraine militarily and diplomatically. Zelenskyy also referred to his recent call with US President Donald Trump, signalling his ongoing efforts to ensure consistent pressure on the Kremlin from all major Western powers.
“Keir and I discussed the key elements of our diplomatic efforts and the potential meetings that could really ensure a ceasefire and progress toward lasting peace,” Zelenskyy said. “We agreed to stay in close contact, nearly on a daily basis. Thank you, Britain!”
Meanwhile, the European Union on Tuesday adopted its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, aimed at further degrading the country’s military capabilities and limiting its access to essential technologies. The sanctions include tighter controls on dual-use goods, further restrictions on energy exports, and measures to clamp down on Russia’s shadow fleet.
Zelenskyy later held a separate phone call with European Council President Antonio Costa, thanking him for the EU’s “strong and timely” response. “I thanked him for the adoption of the EU’s 17th sanctions package against Russia. The preparation of the next one is already underway, and it is crucial that it be even stronger,” Zelenskyy said.
He urged Brussels to target not only the vessels in Russia’s clandestine oil fleet but also the crews who operate them — a step intended to close loopholes in existing maritime restrictions. He also pushed for tougher sanctions on Russia’s energy and banking sectors. “If Russia refuses to cease fire, such sanctions will be applied,” Zelenskyy added, quoting President Costa’s assurances.
In addition to sanctions, the Ukrainian leader stressed the importance of continuing efforts to unlock the EU accession process for Ukraine, which has faced delays. “It is important to find a solution that will allow the process to be unblocked. I thank [President Costa] for all the efforts towards this goal.” Since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, the UK and EU have stood among Ukraine’s most reliable partners, providing military support, humanitarian aid, and economic assistance. Tuesday’s coordinated sanctions demonstrate ongoing Western unity in the face of what many see as a prolonged and destabilising conflict in Europe.
While the UK and EU continue to escalate pressure on Russia, Kyiv’s focus is now turning towards Washington. With the US presidential election drawing closer and global attention increasingly divided, Ukrainian officials worry about potential gaps in international support. Zelenskyy’s public appeal to the US on Tuesday reflects growing urgency in Kyiv, where leaders fear that only firm and unified Western resolve can bring Moscow to the negotiating table.
“Our European partners are already preparing the next steps in this critically important canvas of pressure,” Zelenskyy said. “We need everyone to act.”
