UK to 'imminently' impose direct sanctions on Putin & his FM Lavrov over Russian invasion

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson would impose fresh sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in order to impose harsh punishment on top officials responsible for current situation in Ukraine. According to statement, Downing Street office said on Friday, Johnson’s pledge comes as European Union approved an asset freeze on Putin and Lavrov. Johnson has been working with Western powers so that Putin would change his mind. tably, in an earlier action on Russians, Britain imposed asset freezes and or embargoes on scores of Russian companies and several oligarchs. Terming Russian invasion of Kyiv as a "catastrophe for European continent", Johnson said that Britain and its allies "will respond decisively."

Johnson accused Russian President of choosing a "path of bloodshed and destruction" for his unprovoked attack on Ukraine. "I am appalled by horrific events in Ukraine and I have spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss next steps. President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine. UK and our allies will respond decisively," said Johnson. It is worth mentioning, on Friday, United States and European allies stated that y were stepping up sanctions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Both US and EU affirmed it would act severely that would directly harm Putin and his foreign minister. 

Zelenskyy urges Moscow to sit down at negotiation table 

Meanwhile, Zelensky asked Putin to sit down at negotiation table amid Russia's military actions in Ukraine. "I would like to address president of Russia once again ... let us sit down at negotiation table to stop people dying," Zelenskyy said in a video address, Sputnik reported. Zelensky urged European countries to demand a stopp of " war". On or hand, Russian government does t seem in mood to entertain demands of world leaders, including Ukrainian President.

On Friday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg appealed to Russia to withdraw all its forces from Ukraine and urged Russian President to return to negotiations table. In a staunch warning to Putin, Stoltenberg said Russia will have to pay prices for its deeds. "Immediately cease its assault. Withdraw all its forces from Ukraine. And turn back to path of dialogue. And turn away from aggression. President Putin's decision to pursue his aggression against Ukraine is a terrible strategic mistake. For which Russia will pay a severe price for years to come," he said. 

(Im: AP)