Russia Calls UK Sanctions a “Futile Pressure Policy”

Dragon Media News Desk

Russia has criticised Britain’s latest sanctions on Russian vessels, citizens and organisations, calling them unfounded and part of a futile pressure campaign. In a statement issued on October 1, the Russian Foreign Ministry accused London of choosing escalation over dialogue.

The British government announced 31 new sanctions measures against Russia. They include vessels linked to liquefied natural gas shipments, networks accused of conducting information operations, and individuals accused of torturing Ukrainian civilians or militarising children. Britain said the measures were intended to increase pressure on Russia’s war-related revenues and activities.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said allegations concerning Ukrainian children were being used for political purposes. It described as unsubstantiated claims that Russia was indoctrinating millions of children in the new regions and depriving them of their identity.

The statement also accused Ukraine of restricting the Russian language, pressuring the canonical Orthodox Church, demolishing monuments and renaming streets. Russia portrayed these actions as attempts by Kyiv to erase its historical and cultural identity.

The ministry said Britain’s sanctions and pressure campaign showed that London was not interested in a political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukraine conflict. It dismissed the expectation that further restrictions would change Russia’s policy, saying the country would adapt to the sanctions and continue pursuing the stated goals of its special military operation.

The Russian statement cited record diesel prices in Britain as a consequence of London’s anti-Russian policy and support for Kyiv. Reuters has also reported that diesel prices in the UK recently reached a record high.