Take more risks with Russian sanctions, Starmer tells G7

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on the Group of Seven (G7) wealthy countries to take on more risk regarding sanctions against Russia over its 'special military operation' in Ukraine.

Speaking via video link to an international meeting held on the third anniversary of the conflict, Starmer said: "I'm clear that the G7 should be ready to take on more risk, including on the oil price cap, sanctioning Russia's oil giants, and going after the banks that are enabling the evasion of sanctions."

Within minutes of his speech, the UK announced 67 new sanctions designations and named 40 new ships under its Russia sanctions regime. The sanctions included a pledge to ban entry to individuals who provide significant support or owe their wealth to the Russian state.

Starmer said the sanctions package amounted to Britain's largest against Russia since the early days of the Ukraine conflict.

The UK leader faces arguably the toughest test of his fledgling premiership on Thursday when he visits the White House to meet unpredictable U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump sent shockwaves across Europe last week by labeling Volodymr Zelenskyy "a dictator" and excluding the Ukrainian President and the continent's other leaders from talks with Russia aimed at ending the conflict.

Starmer gave strong public support for Ukraine, saying his government was increasing military aid to it and training Ukrainian troops.

"We must keep dialing up the economic pressure to get Putin to a point where he is ready not just to talk, but to make concessions," Starmer said.

"We must increase the pressure even further to deliver an enduring peace, not just a pause in the fighting." He added.

Despite his effusory remarks about Zelenskyy and demands that the Ukrainian people's "voices must be at the heart of the drive for peace", Starmer was careful to praise Trump's recent intervention. He told the meeting that "President Trump has changed the global conversation over the last few weeks, and it has created an opportunity."

By contrast, Germany's probable next chancellor Friedrich Merz used his first speech since Sunday's federal election win to call for "independence from the USA."