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New sanctions on Russia and Belarus announced

New sanctions for Russia and Belarus announced

The UK has announced a fresh package of sanctions on Russia and Belarus in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

The Department for International Trade said new import tariffs will apply to goods including platinum and palladium - metals are used to make parts for mobile phones and computers.

Export bans will target chemicals, plastics, rubber and machinery. It takes the value of products subject to UK sanctions to more than £4bn.

The latest move comes as Russia prepares to celebrate Victory Day which will be marked with the annual military parade in Moscow's Red Square.  Putin's expected speech is likely to be closely analysed.

This is the third wave of trade sanctions announced by the UK government and will bring the proportion of goods imports from Russia hit by restrictions to more than 96 percent, with more than 60 percent of goods exports to Russia under whole or partial restrictions.

Last week, the International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan hosted international trade ministers and officials from 23 countries, including the Ukrainian first Deputy Prime Minister, to discuss how best to provide trade and economic support to Ukraine.

She also signed a formal exchange of letters to liberalise all tariffs on imports from Ukraine under the UK-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement.

Secretary of State said: "We are determined to do our utmost to thwart Putin’s aims in Ukraine and undermine his illegal invasion, which has seen barbaric acts perpetrated against the Ukrainian people."

"This far-reaching package of sanctions will inflict further damage on the Russian war machine. It is part of a wider coordinated effort by the many countries around the world who are horrified by Russia’s conduct and determined to bring to bear our economic might to persuade Putin to change course."

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