UK unveils sweeping package of 70 new sanctions targeting Russia

The United Kingdom has announced 70 new sanctions targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet,” military procurement supply chains, and illicit financial networks used to circumvent existing restrictions.

“Today’s sanctions further crack down on Russia’s decrepit and ageing shadow fleet, targeting more than 20 oil tankers with new and enhanced powers introduced last month. The UK is also tightening the net around those who are suspected of enabling Putin’s illicit oil trade, further sanctioning ship insurers and other shipping services,” the UK government said in a statement.

To date, the UK has imposed sanctions on more than 600 shadow fleet vessels and Russian ships involved in transporting liquefied natural gas.

London has also, for the first time, sanctioned LNG carriers serving the Arctic LNG 2 project.

A separate package of measures targets Russia’s Main Directorate of the General Staff (GRU) and affiliated entities, including companies and officers allegedly involved in procuring Western technologies for military purposes. The sanctions also affect intermediaries in third countries, including organisations based in China, Thailand, Türkiye, and Nigeria.

By Jeyhun Aghazada