The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is expected to join in the global movement of imposing sanctions against Russia following their recent invasion of Ukraine.
The BVI is well known for its booming financial services sector which has thousands of businesses registered in the territory, with beneficiaries all across the globe.
Speaking on the Russia-Ukraine conflict in a media release on Tuesday March 1, Governor John Rankin said that the BVI will be following in the footsteps of the United Kingdom by cutting all financial ties associated with Russia to the territory.
He said, “The UK has introduced the largest and most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on Russia. Those sanctions will also be applied in the BVI, cutting off access by Putin and the Russian banks to international finances.”
All Russian associated aircrafts banned
Governor Rankin also said that all Russian associated aircrafts will be banned from the territory’s airspace.
“In addition, all aircraft owned, operated or chartered by a person connected with Russia or registered in Russia is banned from flying in the air space of the Virgin Islands,” he added.
The governor also said that the Ukrainian flag will continue to flown at the Governor’s Office and he offered the territory’s full support to the Ukrainian people living in the Virgin Islands, and to their families back in Ukraine.