West maintains sanctions against Russia, says Starmer, until the entire process is completed.
In an announcement made post-summit in Kyiv, the "Decisive Coalition," a group consisting of various Western nations, pressed that there would be no relaxation of existing sanctions against Russia until a comprehensive peace process is concluded. As explained by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, this consensus remains even as they enter the initial stages of the peace process.
Johnson, in his communication with delegates, did not provide a definitive end goal for the process. He, however, asserted that the combined stance of the USA, EU, New Zealand, and other nations worldwide unanimously supports this policy. "We are all in agreement today that there will be no relief from the sanctions already enforced until the process is finalized," Johnson stated.
Following the summit, Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed appreciation to then-US President Donald Trump for his support of sanctions measures. In a conversation with journalists, Zelensky expressed hope that the sanctions would not only be maintained but also be reinforced, stating, "I am thankful to President Trump... for preserving the existing sanctions and I seriously hope for their tightening."
Notably, the EU and US are actively exploring methods to intensify sanctions against Russia if President Putin refuses to agree to a ceasefire. In the aftermath of the May 10 summit, the "Decisive Coalition" put forth a demand that Russia agrees to a 30-day ceasefire commencing from May 12.
As of early 2025, Western countries, including the UK, have boosted their sanctions against Russia, targeting sectors like trade, defense, and energy, to limit Russia's access to military technology and materials. These sanctions have had a substantial impact on Russia's economy, necessitating partnerships with countries like Iran and North Korea to procure military equipment.
Going forward, Western countries plan to continue and potentially strengthen the sanctions to further hinder Russia's ability to revive its military capabilities. Efforts are also being made to counter Russia's attempts to evade sanctions, such as its shadow fleet activities. Any potential easing of sanctions will likely undergo a thorough review and be contingent upon Russia's adherence to international demands.
- The Decisive Coalition, including the UK, maintains strict sanctions against Russia until a comprehensive peace process is concluded, as stated by Prime Minister Johnson during his address post-summit in Kyiv.
- Following the summit, Ukrainian President Zelensky, in expressing gratitude to then-US President Trump, highlighted the importance of preserving and even tightening existing sanctions.
- European Union and US leaders are actively considering ways to intensify sanctions if President Putin refuses to agree to a ceasefire, potentially leading to an escalation in war-and-conflicts-related policy-and-legislation and politics.
- In early 2025, Western nations, like the UK, have increased sanctions against Russia, targeting trade, defense, and energy sectors, with consequences seen in Russia's general-news-worthy economic struggles.
- Looking ahead in politics, Western countries aim to continue and potentially strengthen sanctions against Russia to hinder its military revival and counter its attempts to evade sanctions, ensuring their implementation hinges on Russia's adherence to international demands.
