Speaking at the UN Security Council in New York on 24 February 2026, Minister of State Stephen Doughty said Russia’s invasion is “illegal and unprovoked” and framed the UK’s position as a defence of the UN Charter’s principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The statement linked diplomatic messaging to fresh actions announced the same day. (gov.uk)
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed a landmark sanctions package comprising nearly 300 new designations. Officials said the measures are designed to cut critical oil revenues and further degrade supply networks sustaining the war, describing the package as the largest since the early months of 2022. The government also stated that Russian oil revenues are now at their lowest since 2020. (gov.uk)
Doughty added that the UK had announced a £30 million package for emergency energy support, humanitarian assistance, and justice and accountability programming in Ukraine. This sits alongside previously reported contributions to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to help repair and protect the grid through the winter. (gov.uk)
The humanitarian rationale featured prominently. Citing Save the Children, the minister referenced analysis indicating that Ukrainian children have faced around 4,000 hours of air-raid alerts since February 2022-equivalent to more than five months of constant alarms-contributing to mounting mental health pressures. (gov.uk)
The UK statement alleged systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure and noted repeated mass strikes on the energy system since October, with more than a thousand missiles reportedly launched, leaving hospitals, schools and households without reliable power during winter. The minister said the UK is reinforcing air defences and backing essential services to mitigate these impacts. (gov.uk)
Accountability featured alongside protection aims. London reiterated support for efforts to identify and return children taken from occupied Ukrainian territory and to pursue justice through international mechanisms-an area where the UK has previously funded investigations and capacity-building with Ukrainian authorities and international partners. (gov.uk)
Doughty linked Russia’s conduct in Ukraine to wider human rights concerns, citing the death of Alexei Navalny and stating the UK’s confidence that it resulted from lethal poisoning, underscoring what he described as a disregard for civilian life. (gov.uk)
On the diplomatic track, the UK pressed Russia to engage meaningfully in a US‑led peace process and referenced cooperation “across this Council and beyond”, while noting joint work with France in a self‑described coalition of willing partners to sustain support for Kyiv and build conditions for an enduring peace. (gov.uk)
For businesses and financial institutions, the near‑300 designations signal further compliance exposure across hydrocarbons, trading and procurement chains tied to Russia’s energy revenues and military supply lines. Firms with residual links to services that could facilitate Russian oil export flows or the provision of controlled components should expect intensified screening and due diligence requirements. (gov.uk)
The UK reiterated outcomes it views as essential to a durable settlement: an immediate and unconditional ceasefire; a settlement securing Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence; the return of unlawfully taken children and prisoners of war; and accountability for crimes committed. Officials said UK support would continue “for as long as it takes”. (gov.uk)