UK slaps new sanctions on Russian individuals and entities

The United Kingdom has expanded the list of sanctions against Russia in connection with its war in Ukraine, adding 92 more individuals and entities

"UK sanctions on Russia top 1,500 as FCDO the [Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office] targets 92 individuals and entities, including those connected to Rosatom," the government said in a statement on February 24.

The list now includes, among others, senior executives at Russian state-owned nuclear power company Rosatom and 20 executives of energy giant Gazprom and flagship carrier Aeroflot, as well as CEO of Nord Stream 2, Mattias Waring.

London also added the head of the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Maksut Shadayev, to the sanctions list for allegedly benefiting from the Russian government.

"Today’s designations also target the individuals and entities at the heart of Putin’s military-industrial complex, including: 34 executives connected to Russia’s two largest defence companies Rostec, Russia’s multi-billion state-owned defence conglomerate, and Almaz-Antey Corporation, a state-owned Russian company specialising in producing surface to air missiles and firearms for aircrafts; 6 Russian entities involved in the manufacture or repair of military equipment for Russia’s armed forces, including aviation and navy," the statement read.

Today’s measures also increase pressure on the Russian elite. This includes sanctions on:

- Mattias Warnig – a close friend of Putin’s, the CEO of Nord Stream 2, and previously a member of the boards of Russian energy companies Transneft and Rosneft;

- Lyubov Kabaeva - mother of former Russian gymnast and Duma Deputy Alina Kabaeva who allegedly has a close personal relationship with Putin. The Kabaeva family reportedly own millions of pounds’ worth of property in Russia;

- Alexei Dyumin - formerly Putin’s chief security guard who played a key role in the annexation of Crimea. Dyumin has been actively involved in supporting the Russian military in Ukraine, including launching and facilitating a drone training school for Russian troops;

- Alexei Kozak, son of the former Deputy PM and Putin ally Dmitry Kozak;

- 20 executives of Gazprom and Aeroflot, including Gazprom Chairman and former Russian Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov and two current Russian Ministers.