Not just the U.S. Alone. Ukraine's allied nations have intensified pressure on Russia as the third anniversary of the invasion approaches (updated).
On the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the aggressor nation faced new sanctions. Australia announced its largest package of restrictions regarding Russia in three years, while Britain and New Zealand are expanding their sanctions.
United Kingdom
On Monday, February 24, Britain will announce new sanctions against Russia. Specifically, individuals who provide significant support to Russia or owe their wealth to the Russian state will be targeted, reports Reuters.
The UK Government stated that the sanctions will also include individuals with access to the highest levels of the Russian government. This may encompass some high-ranking politicians, government officials, and businessmen.
The new measures will complement existing sanctions imposed by the UK on Russian "elites" who have supported the military efforts of President Vladimir Putin. UK Security Minister Dan Jarvis emphasized that his message to Putin's friends in Moscow was clear: "You are not welcome in the United Kingdom."
"The measures announced today close the door on oligarchs who have enriched themselves at the expense of the Russian people while financing this illegal and unjust war," he stated.
Australia
In a show of support for Ukraine, Australia is implementing its largest sanctions package since 2022. It targets 70 individuals and 79 organizations connected to Russia, announces the Australian government website.
"From day one, Australia has made it clear that Russia and those facilitating its illegal invasion will face consequences. Today, the Australian government has imposed additional targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 70 individuals, as well as targeted financial sanctions on 79 organizations. This is the largest sanctions package Australia has introduced since February 2022," the statement reads.
It is noted that the new restrictions are aimed at individuals supporting the illegal administrations of Russia in eastern Ukraine and Crimea, "including so-called 'ministers', judges, and prosecutors, as well as those responsible for sexual violence related to the conflict and the forced deportation of Ukrainian children." The sanctions also cover individuals and entities involved in deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, including the deployment of North Korean troops to the battlefield.
Overall, Australia has imposed over 1,400 sanctions in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, the country has allocated over 1.5 billion dollars to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression, including 1.3 billion dollars in military support in the form of essential equipment and training for Ukrainian forces.
New Zealand
On the anniversary of the full-scale invasion, New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced new sanctions against Russian entities and support for the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine. Furthermore, the country will allocate 3 million dollars to the Trust Fund for Assistance.
"Russia's illegal invasion has brought three years of destruction to the Ukrainian people, the environment, and infrastructure," quotes him as saying, according to Stuff.
The new sanctions will target 52 individuals and entities involved in Russia's military-industrial complex, its energy sector, support from North Korea for Russia's military efforts, and the forced relocation of Ukrainian children.
The New Zealand Foreign Minister also announced additional assistance for Ukraine, including a contribution of 3 million dollars to the Trust Fund for Assistance, Recovery, Reconstruction, and Reform of Ukraine managed by the World Bank.
Since the beginning of the war, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on over 1,800 individuals and entities, as well as a series of trade measures. Peters reminded of all the measures taken by the Government in response to Russia's war against Ukraine:
- imposing sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin and key members of his inner circle, senior leadership of the Russian Security Council, all members of the State Duma and Federation Council, all ministers and governors, etc.;
- a ban on all Russian and Belarusian government and military aircraft and vessels entering New Zealand territory;
- imposing a 35% tariff on all Russian imports to New Zealand;
- a ban on the import of Russian oil, gas, coal, etc.
It is worth noting that the United States, under President Joe Biden, has implemented extensive sanctions against Russia since 2022. Although the stance of the new administration under President Donald Trump is quite different regarding Russia, there are currently no plans to lift the restrictions.
At the very least, as reported by "Telegraph," U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured that the United States does not intend to lift sanctions against Russia until an agreement is reached to end Russia's war against Ukraine.