Starmer to Announce New Sanctions Targeting Russia as G7 Summit Continues

 June 17, 2025 – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce a fresh package of sanctions targeting Russia today, Tuesday, June 17th, as the G7 Summit in the Canadian Rockies enters its second day. The move comes as G7 leaders intensify discussions on pressuring Moscow amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the wider geopolitical instability.

Starmer hinted at the impending announcement yesterday, Monday, June 16th, while speaking to reporters en route to the summit. He emphasized that G7 allies would "undoubtedly" discuss the prospect of more sanctions on Russia if President Vladimir Putin continues to resist calls for an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine.

"We've got President Zelenskyy coming, so that provides a good opportunity for us to discuss this again as a group," Starmer said yesterday. "My long-standing view is, we need to get Russia to the table for an unconditional ceasefire. That's not been really straightforward. But we do need to be clear about we need to get to the table and that if that doesn't happen, sanctions will undoubtedly be part of the discussion at the G7."

While No. 10 Downing Street has not yet released the specific details of the new sanctions package, it is anticipated to build upon previous measures taken by the UK and its allies. The UK has been particularly active in targeting Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," a network of oil tankers believed to be used by Moscow to circumvent existing sanctions. Earlier this year, in May, the UK announced sanctions on up to 100 oil tankers involved in this operation.

The new sanctions are likely to be part of a coordinated effort among G7 nations, though U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed some reluctance regarding fresh, broad sanctions, suggesting that European nations should "do it first" and noting the cost of sanctions to the U.S. economy. This divergence in approach is expected to be a key point of negotiation and discussion among leaders.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to join the G7 leaders today, providing a direct appeal for further support and pressure on Russia. His presence is likely to reinforce the calls for an increased economic squeeze on Moscow.

The UK government's position is clear: to continue degrading Russia's ability to prolong the war and to protect national and Euro-Atlantic security. The impending announcement signals a continued commitment from London to exert maximum economic pressure on the Kremlin until a just and sustainable peace is achieved in Ukraine.