UK Prime Minister: Automatic Sanctions if Russia Crosses Even the Toe

Prime Minister Johnson States After Meeting Ukrainian President
Russian Invasion of Ukraine Would Be a Political and Humanitarian Disaster

[Asia Economy International Desk Reporter] British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on the 1st (local time) that sanctions would be automatically imposed the moment Russian forces cross into Ukraine.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Prime Minister Johnson visited Ukraine that day and, after meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, said at a joint press conference, "We are trying to create a law that can directly sanction Russia's strategic commercial interests and individuals." He also pointed out, "If Russia invades Ukraine, it will be a political and humanitarian disaster."

When asked if the US and UK were exaggerating Russia's threat, he assessed the situation as urgent and grim, saying, "Russian President Vladimir Putin is pointing a gun at Ukraine's head."

Johnson said the most useful thing to do now is to inform the Russian public about the horrors of war. He predicted that Ukraine would resist fiercely and horrifically, adding, "Russian parents and mothers should contemplate this fact." He also emphasized his hope that Russian President Vladimir Putin would step back and engage in dialogue.

President Zelensky also warned, "Ukrainians will hold out until the end," and said, "This situation will not be a war between Ukraine and Russia but a full-scale European war."

He said, "Prime Minister Johnson pledged to support Ukraine's sovereignty and confirmed this with the decision to impose sanctions in case of Russian aggression."

Regarding how effective the sanctions would be, he said it is better to introduce preventive sanctions before the situation worsens.

Meanwhile, the British government announced it would provide ?88 million (approximately 143 billion KRW) to support Ukraine's democracy and energy independence.