British envoy calls for coordinated measures to isolate Russia’s war economy
July 31, 2025 — The United Kingdom has urged the international community to intensify efforts against support for Russia’s military-industrial complex, framing it as a decisive step toward ending Moscow’s war on Ukraine. Addressing a UN Security Council meeting, Fergus Eckersley, political coordinator at the UK’s permanent mission to the United Nations, called on all countries to prevent the Kremlin from fueling its war machine.
Speaking at the July 31 session, Eckersley stressed that the West must act collectively to stop any form of military-industrial assistance to Russia, including by blocking the export of dual-use goods. “We must continue to show Russia that there is no gain from aggression,” he said, underlining that arming Ukraine remains a legitimate and necessary response.
Economic pressure seen as key to halting aggression
Eckersley urged governments to “show Russia the economic price of the choices it is making” and to deny Moscow any resources that could prolong the conflict. He condemned ongoing Russian missile and drone strikes against Ukraine, stating that any calls for diplomacy made alongside escalating attacks are “false.” According to the diplomat, civilian casualties in Ukraine in 2025 have reached their highest level in the past three years.
He pointed to Russia’s deepening militarization, noting that nearly 40% of its state spending is now allocated to defense — a figure exceeding 8% of GDP. “The implications of Russia’s war economy go far beyond Ukraine,” Eckersley said, warning of its broader impact on international peace and stability.
UK, EU and Ukraine united in push to isolate Russian defense sector
The UK, European Union, and Ukraine have consistently warned that Russia’s military-industrial complex poses a direct threat to European security, international law, and Ukraine’s sovereignty. Britain has repeatedly called for its complete international isolation, including tighter export controls and bans on dual-use technology transfers.
Officials emphasized that any foreign assistance to Russia’s defense sector — whether through investments, technology exports, or sanctions evasion — reinforces the Kremlin’s capacity for military aggression. The Russian defense industry is seen not only as a combat force but also as a political instrument, now centralized under a special commission that gives President Vladimir Putin sweeping control over weapons production and wartime decision-making.
Kremlin’s tech-enabled warfare raises international alarm
Eckersley and other Western representatives highlighted that Russia’s powerful defense sector enables the deployment of advanced technologies — from artificial intelligence to cyber warfare — further complicating global efforts to contain its actions. Support from third-country entities, particularly those circumventing sanctions, is seen as a critical vulnerability that undermines the effectiveness of Western pressure campaigns.
According to UK officials, dismantling external support networks for Russia’s military production is essential not only for Ukraine’s defense, but also for reinforcing the global order. The message was clear: without cutting off supplies to Russia’s defense industry, the path to de-escalation will remain closed.
