Lammy must push Vance for new sanctions before any US-Russia meeting on future of Ukraine

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

The Liberal Democrats are calling on David Lammy to pressure the US Vice President on introducing new sanctions before any face-to-face meeting between US and Russian premiers, ahead of the Foreign Secretary’s dinner with the American second in command tomorrow.  

With the White House confirming that Trump could speak to Putin face to face as soon as next week, Ed Davey has said that new sanctions must come before any meeting, in order to secure crucial leverage in deciding potential ceasefire terms for Ukraine.  

The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, is set to receive JD Vance at Chevening tomorrow. The Lib Dems are calling for Lammy to use the dinner to push for these sanctions to be introduced as Trump’s self-imposed deadline for Russian cooperation on Ukraine’s future expires.

Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said:

"We’ve been here before: Putin stalling and trying to curry favour with Trump through promises of a ceasefire - before rocking Ukraine with even more bombs.

"With his self-imposed deadline elapsing tomorrow, Trump needs to put his money where his mouth is and introduce the sanctions he promised on Russia. It would be a disaster if Trump lets himself be fooled by Putin again.

"When David Lammy wines and dines America’s vice president tomorrow, he must pressure Vance to push for those sanctions — as well as for US support to help seize the $300 billion of frozen Russian assets held across the G7."

ENDS