The British government is open to considering the possibility of easing restrictive measures against Russia in the event of the termination of Moscow’s operation in Ukraine, TASS reports, citing an official representative of the British Prime Minister.
“We would certainly be open to easing sanctions and pressure [на РФ] in the event that Russia stops the “aggression”, it will leave Ukraine, restoring its sovereignty. This should be done immediately in accordance with the requirements of the democratically elected Ukrainian government,” said the representative of the prime minister.
Nevertheless, answering a question about the possibility of a dialogue between Western countries and Russia to ease tensions, he said: “So far there are no such signs.” According to the representative of the head of the British government, “there is a way out of the situation” and the West calls on the Russian leadership “to use it.” At the same time, he stressed that we are not talking about “any specific conditions that must be met.”
In connection with Russia’s actions in Ukraine, the United States, European Union (EU), United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland have imposed sanctions against Russia. They affected most sectors of the economy, restrictions were imposed on banks, major enterprises and government agencies, in addition, Russia was denied access to foreign financing and capital markets.
At the same time, the US and the EU limited the access of the Russian Central Bank to its international reserves. According to analysts, the sanctions could affect about half of the $643.2 billion in reserves (as of February 18). Against the backdrop of what is happening, the Central Bank has sharply raised the key rate to a historically record 20% per annum. Banks raised interest rates on loans and deposits.
On February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the recognition of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics (DNR and LNR). He signed federal laws on the ratification of treaties of friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance with these territories, including military assistance. On February 24, Russia announced the start of a special military operation in the Donbass. Putin called the purpose of the operation “the protection of people who have been subjected to bullying and genocide by the Kiev regime for eight years.” At the same time, he noted that Russia has no plans to occupy Ukraine, but Moscow will strive for the demilitarization and denazification of this country.