Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Russian Federation: Financial Pressure

Tuesday 21 April 2026 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister recently visited Ukraine and witnessed impacts of Russia's illegal war.
  • UK has imposed over 1,200 designations against Russia including new February sanctions.
  • Government aims to increase economic pressure on Putin and support Ukraine.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Coghlan Lib Dem Dorking and Horley
Ukraine
Context

The question stems from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Russia's illegal war has significant impacts on civilians, especially children. The UK is focusing on clamping down on individuals, companies, and financial sources supporting this war.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to increase financial pressure on the Russian Federation.

Answer from Stephen Doughty

I recently visited Ukraine, witnessing the brutal impacts of Russia's illegal war. We are determined to clamp down on individuals and companies supporting the war and have imposed over 1,200 designations against Russia including new sanctions in February. Collectively, efforts have denied Russia access to at least $450 billion since its full-scale invasion.

Answered
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Q2 Chris Coghlan Lib Dem Dorking and Horley
Ukraine
Context

The United States recently agreed to extend the partial lift on sanctions on Russian oil exports. This decision raises concerns about funding for Russia's war in Ukraine.

Question

Does the Minister agree that this helps President Putin fund his illegal and murderous war, working against UK's national security interests?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

We will continue to ratchet up economic pressure on Putin, push for negotiations, provide support to Ukraine, and maintain sanctions. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have stated that global situations must not benefit Putin.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific stance on US decision's impact on UK interests

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Q3 Johanna Baxter Lab Paisley and Renfrewshire South
Ukraine
Context

A report by the Yale Humanitarian Research Laboratory found that Rosneft and Gazprom have been implicated in the forcible deportation and re-education of at least 2,158 Ukrainian children over the past two years.

Question

The verified number of Ukrainian children stolen by Russia has increased to 20,570. A report by the Yale Humanitarian Research Laboratory found that Rosneft and Gazprom have been implicated in the forcible deportation and re-education of at least 2,158 of those children over the past two years. Will the Secretary of State review and fully investigate these findings and consider further sanctions?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

As ever, my hon. Friend is right to raise this crucial issue. I was very privileged to see for myself the incredible work that we are supporting to trace what has happened to those Ukrainian children. The figure she has cited is correct and it is absolutely appalling. I am very proud of the work that we are doing with other countries on that issue, and I will certainly look at the issues she has raised. Of course, we have already taken action against the oil companies she mentioned.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to a full investigation or further sanctions specifically requested

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Q4 Wendy Morton Con Aldridge-Brownhills
Foreign Affairs Energy
Context

Western sanctions have affected Russia's economy, but there are concerns that Russian crude is reaching refineries via shadow fleet vessels, showing that gaps remain in the enforcement of sanctions.

Question

Concerns have been reported that Russian crude is reaching refineries—including one part-owned by Lakshmi Mittal—via shadow fleet vessels. Will the Government now lead efforts to crack down on those networks and press those refineries in Turkey, China and India to stop processing Russian oil?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

The right hon. Lady will know about the work we have already been doing on this crucial issue, which she is right to raise. We have been very clear on this. Under her Government, there was of course a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports, which we continued. We have gone further by announcing our intention to introduce a maritime services ban, and of course we will continue to co-ordinate with international partners on the issue she raises.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to leading efforts or pressing refineries specifically requested

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