Liz Truss unveils new powers to sanction Russia after being labelled ‘deaf’ by Lavrov
LIZ TRUSS has approved new sanctions on Russia just ahead of a self-imposed deadline.
Liz Truss urges Russia to take 'path of diplomacy' in Lavrov meeting
The Foreign Secretary has promoted the legislation debated in Parliament on Thursday which gives ministers the powers to impose sanctions on Russian oligarchs and businesses. The Foreign Office said the legislation would allow the UK to sanction those linked to Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine
Also organisations of “economic and strategic significance” to the Russian government could be targeted.
It comes as Ms Truss was blasted by her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov following a tense meeting in Moscow.
Mr Lavrov described the meeting as a “conversation between a dumb and a deaf person”.
He said: “It seems like we listen but don't hear.
“At least, our most detailed explanations fell on unprepared soil.
“They say Russia is waiting until the ground freezes like a stone so its tanks can easily cross into Ukrainian territory.
“I think the ground was like that today with our British colleagues - from which numerous facts that we produced bounced off.”
However, Ms Truss fired back, arguing she did engage in the talks with Mr Lavrov and put forward the British view on the Ukraine crisis.
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She said: “I certainly was not mute in our discussions earlier.
“I put forward the UK's point of view on the current situation and the fact that.
“As well as seeking to deter Russia from an invasion into Ukraine, we are also very resolute in pursuing the diplomatic path”.
Ms Truss also indicated that there were “further talks to be had” between Russia and the west over Ukraine.
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A Whitehall source told Sky News that existing post-Brexit sanctions legislation allowed ministers to bring in further powers immediately.