The UK to maintain sanctions against Russia until it pays compensation to Ukraine

The UK government has approved legislation allowing sanctions against Russia to remain in place until it pays compensation to Ukraine.

This is stated in a press release published on the government's website.

The government is also introducing a mechanism for transferring frozen Russian assets to Ukrainian reconstruction.

"Through our new measures today, we’re strengthening the UK’s sanctions approach, affirming that the UK is prepared to use sanctions to ensure Russia pays to repair the country it has so recklessly attacked," said Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.

The British government also said that sanctioned Russians who claim to support Ukraine will now have the opportunity to donate their frozen funds to rebuild Ukraine.

"This will be a voluntary process whereby sanctioned individuals may apply for funds to be released for the express purpose of supporting Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.

There will be no coercion of individuals to encourage them to transfer funds, nor any offer of sanctions relief in return for making a donation," the British government said.