A complete break in diplomatic relations between Russia and Great Britain should not be ruled out. This was announced on Wednesday, March 2, by Russian Ambassador to London Andrey Kelin.
“This possibility always remains, but we are not at war <...> But the rupture of diplomatic relations will mean that not only will we leave here, but the British Embassy in Moscow will also be forced to leave [Россию]”, – said Kelin on the air of the TV channel “Russia 24“.
The diplomat added that the embassy is currently exploring ways of financing given the Western measures taken against VTB and Sberbank.
“So far, in the sanctions law that was adopted against them, there is an exception regarding the work of diplomatic missions. If now we follow this path to the end and establish that funding is possible, this is one situation, then we can continue to work,” the ambassador concluded.
On the eve of the UK adopted a law providing for a complete ban on ships with any connection to Russia, to enter the British ports. Instructions were sent to all British ports not to grant access to ships flying the Russian flag. The Minister of Transport of the country, Grant Shapps, said that the British authorities are going to further strengthen sanctions against Russian shipping, additional restrictions will be announced in the coming days.
On March 1, the UK authorities imposed sanctions against correspondent accounts of Sberbank, and also banned clearing operations in pounds. Sberbank, in turn, said that the sanctions imposed by Britain would not affect Russian customers.
Against the backdrop of Western sanctions, the Russian Central Bank announced additional measures to support credit institutions. On Monday, the regulator raised the key rate to 20%, noting that this decision will help maintain financial and price stability, protect citizens’ savings from depreciation, and also compensate for increased devaluation and inflation risks. Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed to ensure the preservation of all mortgage lending rates specified in loan agreements after an increase in the key rate.
In addition, he signed a decree “On the application of special economic measures in connection with the unfriendly actions of the United States and foreign states and international organizations that have joined them.” According to the document, the transfer of funds in foreign currency under loan agreements to residents is prohibited.
Western sanctions followed in response to the Russian-led operation to protect the Donbass, the beginning of which Vladimir Putin announced on February 24. After that, the Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky accused the Russian Federation of hitting the military infrastructure of the countries, introduced martial law throughout the country and severed diplomatic relations with Russia.
Prior to that, on February 21, Putin signed decrees recognizing the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics (DNR and LNR), as well as treaties of friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance with the republics. The documents were ratified the next day.
The head of state took the relevant decisions against the backdrop of the aggravation of the situation in Donbass that began on February 17. The DPR and LPR reported heavy shelling by Ukrainian security forces, including heavy weapons. The republics announced a general mobilization, the evacuation of civilians to the territory of Russia, and also asked for recognition of their independence.
For more up-to-date videos and details about the situation in Donbass, watch the Izvestia TV channel.
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