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UK, allies to agree on massive economic sanctions designed 'to hobble Russian economy'

We must collectively cease dependence on Russian oil and gas, says UK PM

johnson-boris (File) UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson | AP

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, on Thursday, vowed to end the grip of Russian President Vladimir Putin on western politics.

In a TV address, the prime minister said the UK, in concert with its allies, "will agree a massive package of economic sanctions designed in time to hobble the Russian economy."

"We must also collectively cease the dependence on Russian oil and gas that for too long has given Putin his grip on western politics," he said.

"Our mission is clear. Diplomatically, politically, economically – and eventually, militarily – this hideous and barbaric venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure."

He said UK and its allies are with Ukrainians "in this moment of agony."We are with you we are praying for you and your families and we are on your side. And if the months ahead are grim, and the flame of freedom burns low, I know that it will blaze bright again in Ukraine because, for all his bombs and tanks and missiles, I don’t believe that the Russian dictator will ever subdue the national feeling of the Ukrainians and their passionate belief that their country should be free."

He said he spoke to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and offered his country's continued support.

"Ukraine is a country that for decades has enjoyed freedom and democracy and the right to choose its own destiny. We – and the world – cannot allow that freedom just to be snuffed out. We cannot, and will not, just look away," he said.

He also promised the people of UK to do everything possible to keep the country safe.

Johnson said the UK, with it allies around the world will work "however long it takes – to ensure that the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine is restored because this act of wanton and reckless aggression is an attack not just on Ukraine. It is an attack on democracy and freedom in east Europe and around the world."

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