The UK’s announcement comes following a direct request from President Zelensky’s government to liberalise tariffs.
25 April 2022
Electronic equipment which could be used to spy on Ukrainians will be banned from export to Russia, while trade links with Kyiv will be strengthened.
Products targeted under the new export ban could include interception and monitoring equipment, the Department for International Trade said.
The Government also announced the removal of tariffs or quotas on imports from Ukraine, to help Volodymyr Zelensky’s administration keep the economy going while under attack from its neighbour.
The UK’s announcement comes following a direct request from President Zelensky’s government to liberalise tariffs, helping key Ukrainian exports including, barley, honey, tinned tomatoes and poultry.
The further restrictions on exports to Russia are designed to help isolate Vladimir Putin’s regime by closing potential loopholes to ensure the goods are not sourced from the UK.
International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: “The UK will continue to do everything in its power to support Ukraine’s fight against Putin’s brutal and unprovoked invasion and help ensure the long-term security and prosperity of Ukraine and its people.
“We stand unwaveringly with Ukraine in this ongoing fight and will work to ensure Ukraine survives and thrives as a free and sovereign nation.”
The tariff liberalisation will be for an initial period of 12 months but that could be extended.
There was no obligation on Kyiv to reciprocate by lifting trade barriers, although the Ukrainian government has said its preference is to match the approach and will fully liberalise tariffs with the UK.
