British PM to toughen sanctions on Russia

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed their determination Wednesday to further tighten sanctions against Russia over its war on Ukraine.

“The Prime Minister committed to further tighten these sanctions in order to impose the maximum economic cost on Russia,” the UK Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement about a phone call between the leaders.

Johnson outlined the work the UK is doing to provide the military equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself and Zelenskyy thanked him for “the UK’s ongoing military support, alongside tough new sanctions to punish the Putin regime for its actions,” it said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Both leaders also condemned “the horrifying attack on a maternity hospital in Mariupol and the failure by Russian forces to respect cease-fire agreements in humanitarian corridors.”

Johnson said “this was yet further evidence that Putin was acting with careless disregard for International Humanitarian Law.”

On his conversation with Johnson, Zelenskyy said on Twitter that he appreciates “the UK leadership in countering the crime” Russia is committing against Ukraine.

He added that increasing sanctions pressure on Russia and further support for Ukraine in fighting the aggressor, including defense assistance, were among the topics of the talks.

At least 516 civilians have been killed and 908 others injured in Ukraine since Russia launched the war against its neighbor, according to UN figures, with the real toll feared to be higher.

More than 2.1 million people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, according to the UN Refugee Agency.