Ukraine 'in better place' after US sanctions on Russian oil, says Starmer
Photo: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (Getty Images)
The prospects for Ukraine have improved after US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Russian oil companies, stated UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, according to Bloomberg.
"We're in a better place. Last week, there were really significant developments," Starmer said.
The British Prime Minister noted that Ukraine's prospects have brightened following Trump's sanctions on Russian oil — a sign of cautious optimism among Kyiv's allies about Washington's tougher stance, which could weaken Russia's ability to wage war.
"The one I'd pick out as the biggest development is what we've done on sanctions. We sanctioned all the oil majors, President Trump then sanctioned the two oil majors, and the EU came out with their latest package, all within the space of a few days. That's had a profound impact on Russia's economy," Starmer stated.
He also said that on Sunday, October 26, he spoke with Trump and discussed, among other topics, the supply of long-range missiles to Ukraine.
US sanctions against Russia
On October 23, US President Donald Trump announced sanctions on two key Russian oil companies in an effort to pressure Moscow into agreeing to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Immediately after the sanctions were introduced, Brent crude futures rose by 5%.
The sanctions targeting Russian energy giants Rosneft and Lukoil raised concerns within China's oil industry.
Meanwhile, Russian leader Vladimir Putin claimed the new US sanctions would not significantly affect Russia's economic well-being.
At the same time, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev called Trump an "enemy of Russia" and described the move as an act of war.
In response, Trump said that in six months, it will be clear whether the sanctions affect Russia.
