Three years after President Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK has announced its most significant sanctions package since the early days of the conflict.
This latest move includes 107 new sanctions targeting individuals, entities, and supply chains that continue to support Russia’s illegal war. The measures aim to weaken the Russian military machine, disrupt revenues fuelling the Kremlin, and expose the kleptocrats profiting from the ongoing aggression.
The UK government is clear about its objectives: to strengthen Ukraine’s position and contribute to the security and prosperity of Europe. These sanctions form a critical part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, which emphasizes maintaining collective security and building a stable future.
As Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated last week, the UK and its allies face a “once-in-a-generation moment” to safeguard continental security, and today’s action is a significant step in that direction.
The sanctions are designed to cripple the supply chains supporting Russia’s war machine. This includes targeting producers and suppliers of machine tools, electronics, and dual-use goods essential for Russia’s military operations. These components, such as microprocessors used in advanced weapons systems, come from third countries including China, Central Asian states, Turkey, Thailand, and India, with China identified as the largest supplier of critical goods.
Disrupting Russia’s International Support Network
For the first time, the UK is using new powers to sanction foreign financial institutions aiding Russia’s war efforts. Among the targeted entities is OJSC Keremet Bank, based in Kyrgyzstan, which has been a key facilitator of Russia’s international financial transactions. By disrupting these networks, the UK aims to limit the Kremlin’s access to global funding sources.
The UK sanctions also target North Korean Defence Minister No Kwang Chol and other senior officials involved in deploying over 11,000 DPRK forces to Russia, with the soldiers reportedly being used as “cannon fodder” in the ongoing conflict. The North Korean forces have suffered more than 4,000 casualties, highlighting the severe human cost of their involvement.
Targeting Russian Entities and Individuals
The sanctions list includes 13 Russian targets, among them LLC Grant-Trade, its owner Marat Mustafaev, and his sister Dinara Mustafaeva, who have allegedly funneled advanced European technology into Russia to support the war. By exposing these enablers, the UK seeks to choke off vital resources for Putin’s military operations.
A significant component of this sanctions package is aimed at undermining Russia’s energy revenues, a crucial source of funding for the invasion. The UK has specified another 40 ‘shadow fleet’ ships carrying Russian oil, bringing the total number of sanctioned oil tankers to 133 – the highest by any European nation. These vessels have transported over $5 billion worth of Russian oil in the past six months alone, making them a key target in cutting off Putin’s financial lifelines.
New Kleptocrats in the Crosshairs
In a bold move, the UK is also sanctioning 14 ‘New Kleptocrats’ who are fronting strategic sectors of Russia’s economy. Notable among them is Roman Trotsenko, one of Russia’s wealthiest men with an estimated net worth of £2.2 billion. By targeting these influential figures, the UK aims to weaken the economic pillars supporting Putin’s regime.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasised the UK’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine, stating:
“Every military supply line disrupted, every rouble blocked, and every enabler of Putin’s aggression exposed is a step towards a just and lasting peace.”
The UK’s largest sanctions package in almost three years underlines its resolve to support Ukraine at this critical juncture. As the world marks the grim milestone of Putin’s invasion entering its fourth year, the UK stands firm in its pledge to strengthen Ukraine’s hand and uphold shared security.
The UK government remains steadfast in its belief that lasting peace can only be achieved through strength. This comprehensive sanctions package is a decisive step towards achieving that goal, reinforcing Ukraine’s resistance and paving the way for a more secure and prosperous Europe.
As Ukrainians continue to defend their homeland with courage and resilience, today’s action sends a powerful message: the UK, in coordination with its allies, will not turn its back on Ukraine’s fight for freedom and democracy.
A list of those sanctioned can be found here:
Main Image: By © UK Parliament / Maria Unger – UK Parliament, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=146437874
