UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the recent coordination of sanctions against Russia by Western allies as “the most important development.” He made this statement in an interview with Bloomberg (as cited by RBC on October 28). According to Starmer, the situation has improved since the United States imposed sanctions on Russian oil companies and the European Union adopted its 19th sanctions package in support of Kyiv and its allies.
“We imposed sanctions on all major oil companies, then President Trump introduced sanctions against two of Russia’s largest oil firms, and the EU followed with its latest package of measures — all within just a few days,”
— said the British Prime Minister.
Starmer added that he had recently spoken with President Trump by phone, and one of the main topics discussed was increasing pressure on China to stop purchasing Russian oil.
As a reminder, on October 22, the United States imposed blocking sanctions against Rosneft, Lukoil, and their subsidiaries in which these companies hold 50% or more. The U.S. Treasury gave businesses until November 21 to wind down transactions. Speaking about the possibility of new sanctions, Trump said only: “You’ll find out.” According to Reuters (cited by RBC), Washington is also considering further restrictions targeting Russia’s banking sector and oil infrastructure.
The new U.S. blocking sanctions prohibit any participation in the management of these companies or any financial dealings with them, including the receipt of revenue from their operations.
Following the U.S. move, the European Union also introduced new restrictions against Russia. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas welcomed Washington’s decision, saying Brussels was “very happy to see such signals from the U.S.,” calling it “an important sign of strength and unity.”
Moscow, in turn, denounced the Western sanctions as illegal. Vladimir Putin described the new American measures as “serious” and carrying “certain consequences,” but insisted they would not significantly affect Russia’s overall economic wellbeing.
Meanwhile, Lukoil announced plans to sell its foreign assets following the U.S. sanctions, with the goal of completing transactions before November 21 — though the proceeds will remain frozen in blocked accounts.
