UK plans 'significant' sanctions on Russia

Boris Johnson will chair a meeting of the government’s emergency committee on Tuesday morning to agree on what Downing Street called “a significant package of sanctions” against Russia.

This won’t be the moment the West imposes overwhelming economic sanctions. That’s being saved for the invasion of Ukraine that Western leaders believe is imminent.

Instead, more limited restrictions are planned in response to Russia’s decision to recognise the independence of two breakaway regions of Ukraine.

In a call with Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky, Boris Johnson said significant UK sanctions would come into force today against those complicit in the violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The Prime Minister also promised the country more defensive support.

President Biden signed an executive order prohibiting American trade and investment in Donetsk and Luhansk.

And the presidents of the European Council and Commission, Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen, condemned what they called Russia’s “illegal act” and promised European sanctions against those involved.