UK slaps sanctions on 82 Russian entities, 18 ships in support of Ukraine

The United Kingdom has significantly expanded its sanctions against Russia on May 20, targeting 82 individuals and entities, as well as 18 vessels, in a bid to clamp down on what it calls Moscow’s "shadow fleet" of oil tankers and disrupt supply chains feeding Russia’s military operations.

According to a statement published on the UK government’s website, the new sanctions are aimed at weakening Russia’s ability to sustain its invasion of Ukraine by targeting key sectors such as defence, energy, finance, and state-backed disinformation efforts, Caliber.Az reports.

“Today’s measures sanction the supply chains of deadly Russian weapons systems, including Iskander missiles. This will protect Ukrainian lives, and our collective security by disrupting Russia’s military machine,” the statement reads. 

Among the newly sanctioned entities are the following:

• MT-SYSTEMS LLC ;

• Joint-stock company “Surgutinvestneft;”

• Joint-stock company “VTB Registrar;”

• Joint-stock company “VTB Specialized Depository;”

• State Corporation Deposit Insurance Agency (DIA).

The UK also sanctioned 18 vessels linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, accused of transporting oil covertly to circumvent international sanctions. This follows 110 similar designations announced earlier this month by Prime Minister Keir Starmer ahead of his visit to Kyiv.

May 20 sanctions also include 14 additional members of the Social Design Agency (SDA), an organisation accused of conducting Kremlin-backed disinformation campaigns intended to undermine democratic institutions and sovereignty abroad, the statement says. The UK previously sanctioned the SDA’s senior leadership in 2024 and is now targeting all levels of the agency.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy reiterated the UK’s call for a full and unconditional ceasefire from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“We urge him [Vladimir Putin] to agree a full, unconditional ceasefire right away so there can be talks on a just and lasting peace. We have been clear that delaying peace efforts will only redouble our resolve to help Ukraine defend itself and use our sanctions to restrict Putin’s war machine,” Lammy said. 

The move comes days after Russia launched its largest drone assault since the war began, firing 273 drones at Ukrainian cities on May 17.

“Every rouble by which we cut Kremlin revenues diminishes Putin’s ability to sow chaos, division and disorder across the world,” the statement said.

The UK remains committed to supporting Ukraine through military, economic, and diplomatic channels, insisting that peace can only begin with a halt to hostilities.

By Sabina Mammadli