Letters: How the UK should respond to Russia

Soft options

Sir: In relation to strengthening the impact of the Russian sanctions package (‘Tsar Vladimir’, 26 February), please may I suggest three enhancements? Firstly, to encourage the UK’s Dependencies, such as the British Virgin Islands, to enforce the UK’s sanctions on the government target list of Russian criminals who are operating within their corporate jurisdiction. Secondly, to define the Russian state, Putin and his cronies, as terrorists, much like the members of Islamic State. This is appropriate and proportional, and will enable institutions in the City, and elsewhere, to treat the Russians accordingly. And thirdly, to make the UK’s sanctions extra-territorial, much like the Bribery Act, which essentially enforces all UK based, not just domiciled, institutions to adhere to the sanctions legislation or lose their licence to operate in the UK. I believe what the UK lacks in hard power can be overcome with its soft power assets and a willingness to do the right thing for the Ukrainian nation.