Britain has announced a fresh package of sanctions targeting Russian banks, oil revenues and the Kremlin’s so-called shadow fleet, as the government steps up pressure on Moscow over
its war in Ukraine.
The measures, announced by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband on Thursday, are aimed at businesses and individuals helping to finance or sustain Russia’s military campaign.
The latest package includes sanctions against 19 targets, including six Russian banks, six newly acquired oil tankers linked to the shadow fleet and four Russian companies involved in importing tantalum and niobium – rare metals used in the production of military equipment.
The government said the measures were designed to restrict the financial networks and supply chains supporting Russia’s war effort and to make it harder for Moscow to evade existing Western sanctions.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Today’s new sanctions demonstrate the UK’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine and bearing down on those propping up the Kremlin’s aggression.
Ukraine’s fight is our fight. Those that threaten Ukraine’s freedom and democracy are a threat to Britain’s security at home. That’s why we will continue stepping up the pressure on Russia until a just and lasting peace has been reached”.
The announcement comes days after Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Portsmouth, where the UK unveiled additional support for advanced drone capabilities intended to strengthen Ukraine’s frontline defences.
Miliband has also held talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and attended the ASEAN conference in Manila, where support for Ukraine was among the issues discussed.
On Wednesday, he travelled to Washington for talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions focused on maintaining pressure on Russia and the wider security relationship between Ukraine, Europe and the transatlantic alliance.
Defence Secretary John Healey said Britain’s support for Ukraine remained “absolute”.
“We’re introducing new tougher sanctions to choke off the funds that fuel Putin’s illegal war and are targeting his shadow fleet,” he said.
Healey added that Britain would continue targeting Russian activities that it considers a threat to UK national security, the economy and global stability.
The government said Britain had sanctioned more than 500 individuals, companies and ships under its Russia sanctions regime so far this year.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the UK has sanctioned more than 3,400 individuals, entities and ships as part of efforts to weaken Moscow’s ability to finance and sustain the war.
The latest measures are expected to form part of the UK’s continuing coordination with European and NATO allies as the government seeks to maintain economic and diplomatic pressure on Russia. Photo by Kyivcity.gov.ua, Wikimedia commons.
