International

Russia Receives New Sanctions From UK Over On-going War in Ukraine

Published

3 years ago

May 19, 2023

469 Views

The United Kingdom has issued fresh sanction against Russia on Friday, targeting imports of diamonds and other minerals in a bid to choke Moscow’s ability to fund the war in Ukraine.

Before a G7 summit in Japan began, London said it would introduce “a ban on Russian diamonds”, copper, aluminium and nickel, and sanction more entities involved in Moscow’s “military industrial complex”.

Russia’s diamond trade is estimated to be worth $4-5 billion a year, netting the Kremlin much-needed tax revenues.

Later in the day, the UK foreign office said the new sanctions would freeze the assets of 86 people and organisations.

These include “companies connected to theft of Ukrainian grain, and those involved in shipment of Russian energy”, it said.

The new sanctions will also target “advanced military technology and remaining revenue sources”.

The summit in Hiroshima is expected to bring a series of new sanctions on Russia — including US measures that will put 70 more Russian and foreign entities on a trade blacklist.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Sky News on Friday that his “straightforward” message for Russian President Vladimir Putin was: “We’re not going away”.

“One of the topics of conversation I’ll be having and have been having with my fellow leaders is about the longer term security agreements… for Ukraine to deter future Russian aggression,” he added.

The G7 as a whole is expected to work to tighten existing sanctions, close loopholes, squeeze Moscow’s access to the international financial system and commit to keeping Russian assets frozen until the end of the war in Ukraine.

On Friday, European Council President Charles Michel said the bloc would target the lucrative trade in Russian diamonds, which he joked “are not forever”.

EU member Belgium is among the largest wholesale buyers of Russian diamonds, along with India and the United Arab Emirates.

The United States is a major end-market for the finished product.

AFP

International

Trump threatens Iran bridges, power plant in latest Hormuz attacks

Trump told reporters that he was “not finished” with a war that has already cost Washington $37.5 billion.

Published

17 hours ago

July 22, 2026

OCHEFA

18 Views

US President Donald Trump threatened on Wednesday to bomb Iranian bridge or power plant each time Theran attack ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest round of escalation began on July 18.

Trump told reporters that he was “not finished” with a war that has already cost Washington $37.5 billion.

Fighting over the strait led to the collapse of a preliminary deal between the United States and Iran, and Tehran has reimposed its blockade on the strategic conduit for oil and gas shipments, firing on vessels that seek to transit.

The blockade has rattled markets and sent oil prices climbing, adding to the pressure on Trump to find an off-ramp to a conflict that has hit Americans’ pocketbooks heading into closely-fought midterm elections.

International

Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s top army commander after days of protests

Syrskyi was replaced by Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, who is a popular, battle-hardened general.

Published

22 hours ago

July 22, 2026

OCHEFA

26 Views

•Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the country’s army commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi.

It comes just days after the removal of popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov – a move that triggered street protests across the country.Initial rumours that the end of Fedorov’s tenure was related to a conflict between him and Syrskyi were soon confirmed.

Fedorov, 35, has been widely praised for energising the ministry and transforming the armed forces, as well as leading a drive against corruption.

Syrskyi, 60, is seen by many in Ukraine as a Soviet-school commander reluctant to implement radical changes in the army.

Syrskyi defended his record in a farewell address, writing on Telegram: “An army that was fighting a difficult defensive campaign two years ago is now on the offensive.””I am handing over to my successor an army that is not only holding the line but is advancing… I sincerely hope this offensive will continue.”

Syrskyi was replaced by Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, who is a popular, battle-hardened general.

” I will work responsibly, with full focus, and with respect for the people who are defending our country today,” Drapatyi said on Facebook

BBC

International

Burnham becomes PM, vows 10-year plan to stabilise UK

The 56-year-old is the sixth prime minister to enter Downing Street in the last 10 years.

Published

3 days ago

July 20, 2026

OCHEFA

37 Views

•Incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham poses with Britain’s King Charles III on July 20, 2026 (Photo by Aaron Chown / POOL / AFP).

Andy Burnham became British prime minister Monday after meeting King Charles III at Buckingham Palace and was set to set out his vision for the country after taking over from Keir Starmer.

In his first speech, Burnham vowed to put forward a 10-year plan for Britain, saying the country needed to make politics work.

“Britain needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again,” Burnham said just after being appointed by King Charles III to take over from Keir Starmer.

He pledged to “issue my first instruction to end rough sleeping in our country” once he starts work.

Starmer departed Downing Street on Monday morning, insisting in a farewell speech his two years in office had made Britain a better place.

The monarch met Starmer to accept his resignation and Burnham arrived next for the formal procedure in which the king asked him to form the next government and he accepted.

The 56-year-old is the sixth prime minister to enter Downing Street in the last 10 years.