The UK government has unveiled a new set of sanctions aimed at tightening financial and logistical support for Russia's war in Ukraine. Announced on Thursday by Britain's Foreign Office, the measures target 38 individuals and entities involved in oil production, military manufacturing, and financial sanctions evasion.
The sanctions package includes 12 additional oil tankers, which Britain alleges are part of Russia's so-called 'shadow fleet.' These vessels are accused of helping Moscow bypass international oil export restrictions. The measures also target three crypto exchanges and two payment platforms suspected of facilitating illicit financial transactions for Russia. Two of these entities are accused of processing transactions linked to the A7 illicit finance network.
Additionally, the sanctions hit 17 entities and individuals supplying goods critical to Russia's war effort. These include importers of machine tools, electronics, and materials used in the production of missiles and drones. The UK, US, and EU have collectively identified these goods as essential to sustaining Russia's military operations.
A statement from Russia's embassy in London, reported by state news agency RIA Novosti, dismissed the sanctions as ineffective. The embassy claimed that each new sanctions package merely highlights the futility of Britain's approach.