Russian Sanctions Regime 2024-07-30
2024-07-30
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about the effectiveness of UK sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, noting that while over 2,000 individuals and entities have been sanctioned since 2014, enforcement efforts are lacking.
Whether he plans to review the sanctions regime against Russia. This Government are determined to increase pressure on Russia and support Ukraine. However, since Russia's unlawful full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, there has been just one instance of UK law enforcement securing sanctioned funds despite over 2,000 individuals and entities being sanctioned.
This Government are determined to increase the pressure on Russia and support Ukraine. We will keep our Russia sanctions regime under close review and go further to reduce Russia's capacity to wage war. The government has sanctioned an additional 11 ships as part of efforts to disrupt and deter Russia's shadow fleet.
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Assessment & feedback
The effectiveness of enforcing sanctions was not directly addressed, focusing instead on the determination to increase pressure through further action.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK has sanctioned over 2,000 individuals and entities since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2014. Despite this, there is only one instance of law enforcement securing sanctioned funds.
What discussions is the Minister having with his counterparts across Government to ensure that those who evade sanctions are held to account and that money held unlawfully is secured for the public purse?
This Government will not hesitate to take firm action to close loopholes and strengthen the enforcement of sanctions. While some steps have been taken, such as sanctioning an additional 11 ships through the European Political Community, more work is needed.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific discussions with counterparts were not detailed; instead, a general commitment was given to strengthen enforcement.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Vladimir Kara-Murza, a British citizen and opponent of the Russian government, is detained along with Evan Gershkovich, an American journalist. The questioner seeks further sanctions to press for their release.
Will he look at what further sanctions might be used to put pressure on the Russian Government to release Vladimir Kara-Murza and other political prisoners?
We call for the release of all those detained in Russia on political grounds, including Kara-Murza and Gershkovich. We have met many families concerned about their loved ones' detention and will continue to take this very seriously.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific sanctions were mentioned; the answer focuses on the commitment to release prisoners without detailing new measures or timelines.
Take This Seriously
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK indirectly imports Russian crude oil through refineries in India. The questioner asks about steps to prevent this and discusses the Foreign Secretary's recent trip there.
What steps do he and the Foreign Secretary plan to take to end the UK's indirect import of Russian crude oil via Indian refineries? Did the Foreign Secretary discuss that issue when travelling to see Commonwealth friends in India last week?
We will continue to explore further options to strengthen our sanctions, including in the energy sector. The Foreign Secretary did indeed raise the issue at his meetings in Mangalore during a visit focused on strengthening ties with Commonwealth friends.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or commitments related to ending indirect imports were not provided; the answer mentions ongoing exploration of options without concrete measures.
Exploring Further Options
Response accuracy