Britain has announced 100 new Russia-related sanctions aimed at oil shipping and military supply chains, coinciding with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper’s first overseas visit in post to Kyiv on 12 September.
The package designates 70 additional ships alleged to be part of the so-called “shadow fleet” carrying Russian oil, and 30 companies and individuals accused of supplying components and materials used in weapons production.
The measures were presented by the government as part of a wider response to recent Russian air attacks and a drone incursion into NATO airspace over Poland. The UK government said recent strikes damaged Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers building in Kyiv and other premises, and cited a large-scale air assault in which more than 800 missiles and drones were launched in a single night. Polish authorities this week reported shooting down drones that entered their airspace during Russian strikes on Ukraine.
According to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the new designations extend existing pressure on oil revenues by blacklisting more tankers alleged to facilitate Russia’s seaborne exports outside G7 price-cap rules. Officials said the package also targets suppliers of electronics, chemicals and explosives used in Russian weapons systems, with components cited as commonly found in Iskander and Kh-101 missiles and in drones.
Named among the newly designated entities are China-based Shenzhen Blue Hat International Trade Co., Ltd., together with two Russian co-owners, and Turkey-based Mastel Makina Ithalat Ihracat Limited Sirketi along with its chief executive. The government stated these firms supplied electronics to Russia’s armed forces. The full list of targets is being published on GOV.UK alongside updates to the consolidated UK sanctions list.
The action follows earlier UK moves against Russia’s oil logistics this summer. In July, the government announced measures against 135 tankers linked to shadow-fleet operations and sanctioned a Lukoil-associated trading firm in the United Arab Emirates, as London and partners tightened price-cap enforcement.
Cooper’s visit to Ukraine includes meetings with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and senior officials. Ahead of the trip, London confirmed an additional £142 million in winter support, including £100 million for humanitarian assistance to frontline communities and £42 million for repairing and protecting energy infrastructure. The government has also signalled plans to mass-produce Ukrainian-designed interceptor drones in the UK as part of bilateral defence co-production.
The FCDO framed the latest sanctions as part of a coordinated effort to restrict Russia’s access to revenue and critical components while supporting Ukraine’s defence. Officials linked the timing to recent attacks and said the UK has now targeted more oil tankers than any other country. Reuters reported that the new designations comprise 70 maritime listings and 30 entities and individuals, and that the measures form part of Britain’s broader sanctions strategy alongside security assistance to Kyiv.
The UK’s Russia sanctions regime operates under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 and the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. Those designated are added to the UK Sanctions List and, where applicable, become subject to asset freezes and associated restrictions; ships added to the list face prohibitions relevant to UK ports and services. The government’s consolidated list and regime guidance were updated on 12 September.
The latest steps come amid heightened allied activity around air defence of NATO territory. Poland said it downed drones that crossed into its airspace during Russia’s mass strike on Ukraine earlier in the week, and NATO capitals condemned the incursions. London’s announcement referenced those events and recent damage to government buildings in Kyiv when setting out the rationale for the designations.
Kyiv is Cooper’s first foreign destination since her appointment. The UK has maintained sanctions pressure in parallel with military, economic and humanitarian support, and has indicated further measures remain under consideration in coordination with partners.
