Four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK has rolled out its most extensive sanctions package since the early months of the war,
tightening the screws on the Kremlin’s oil revenues, financial system and military supply chains.
The sweeping measures, announced by the United Kingdom government, introduce nearly 300 new sanctions aimed at further crippling Russia’s ability to fund what London continues to describe as an illegal and brutal war. Central to the package is a renewed assault on the energy sector, long the backbone of Moscow’s war economy.
According to UK officials, Russian oil revenues have now fallen to their lowest level since 2020 as international pressure intensifies. The sanctions coincide with a visit to Kyiv by the Foreign Secretary, underscoring Britain’s continued political, military and humanitarian backing for Ukraine.
Oil lifelines under fire
A major target of the latest measures is PJSC Transneft, one of the world’s largest oil pipeline operators, responsible for transporting more than 80% of Russia’s oil exports. By sanctioning the company, the UK aims to disrupt Moscow’s already strained efforts to sell its crude on global markets.
The package also goes after Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” — the network of tankers and intermediaries used to sidestep existing restrictions. Forty-eight oil tankers have been sanctioned, alongside 175 companies linked to the ‘2Rivers’ oil trading network, described by officials as one of the largest illicit traders of Russian crude worldwide.
“Russian oil is off the market,” a senior government source said, warning that those seeking to profit from covert oil trading should expect further action.
A war economy under strain
UK estimates suggest that international sanctions have now deprived President Vladimir Putin of more than $450 billion — roughly the equivalent of two additional years of war funding. With revenues drying up, Russia’s economy has stagnated, forcing the Kremlin to raise taxes on ordinary citizens, including VAT and corporation tax, to plug the gaps.
In total, the UK has sanctioned more than 3,000 individuals, companies and vessels under its Russia regime.
Broader crackdown across key sectors
Beyond oil, the latest measures strike multiple pillars of Russia’s war effort:
- 49 individuals and entities involved in supplying components and technology for Russian drones and weapons used against civilians.
- Three civil nuclear energy companies and two individuals seeking overseas contracts to generate alternative energy revenues.
- Six targets in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector, including ships, traders and the Portovaya and Vysotsk export terminals.
- Nine Russian banks handling cross-border payments critical to maintaining access to international markets.
Fresh support for Ukraine
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Russia is now four years into what Putin believed would be a three-day invasion. As the Kremlin continues its barbaric assault against innocent civilians that have suffered their most brutal winter in a decade, the courage and determination of the Ukrainian people endures.
The UK has today taken decisive action to disrupt the critical financing, military equipment and revenue streams that sustain Russia’s aggression, in our largest raft of measures since the early months of the invasion.
Today I’m in Kyiv announcing £30 million in funding to strengthen Ukrainian energy resilience and support recovery, taking the total UK support to £21.8 billion since the start of the war.
We will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine and defend European security - Ukraine’s security is our security”.
She also announced £30 million in new funding to strengthen Ukraine’s energy resilience and support recovery efforts, bringing total UK support since the start of the war to £21.8 billion. Of this, more than £25 million will be used to repair damaged energy infrastructure after a winter of intense Russian strikes, while £5 million will support justice and accountability efforts for alleged war crimes.
Rallying allies on the world stage
As the anniversary is marked internationally, the UK is also pushing diplomatically for sustained support for Ukraine. Europe Minister Stephen Doughty is working with partners at the United Nations Security Council to press for what Britain calls a just and lasting peace.
The message from London, four years on, is clear: pressure on Moscow will not ease, and support for Ukraine will not waver. Photo by Chris Eason, Wikimedia commons.