LONDON
Britain announced a fresh round of sanctions against Russia, targeting ships, banks, and companies it says are helping fund and support Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine. The measures include restrictions on the banking arm of Russian tech firm Yandex, along with two other financial institutions and dozens of oil and gas vessels accused of helping export Russian energy in violation of Western sanctions. UK officials said more than 20 oil tankers and several liquefied natural gas carriers have been blacklisted as part of the crackdown. The government also said this is the first time a Group of Seven nation has sanctioned ships linked to Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 energy project.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the sanctions are aimed at cutting off the money, shipping routes, and networks that support Russia’s wartime economy and pose risks to European security. Britain also targeted what it described as Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a group of ageing ships registered in different countries and used to secretly transport oil while avoiding sanctions. Officials said nearly 600 such vessels have now been sanctioned by the UK. In addition, the UK said it disrupted a covert procurement network allegedly linked to Russian military intelligence, which was accused of sourcing sensitive Western technology for defence purposes.
The sanctions package also includes individuals and companies involved in supplying military-related goods. Alongside the measures, Britain announced new financial support for Ukraine’s energy sector, including funding aimed at improving energy security and supporting nuclear fuel supply chains. Officials said the latest actions are part of ongoing efforts to increase pressure on Russia and limit its ability to sustain the war.
