UK introduces new sanctions against Russia targeting oil companies, shadow fleet tankers, and military suppliers
Photo: armyinform.com.ua
The United Kingdom announced a new package of sanctions against Russia targeting its shadow fleet, oil companies, financial networks, and suppliers of goods for the military industry.
The country's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) reported, as Rubryka writes, that the new sanctions target not only vessels already at sea but also entities that facilitate the supply chain transporting Russian oil worldwide.
The sanctions cover 38 legal entities and individuals. In particular, restrictions were imposed on the Russian oil companies Zarubezhneft and INK Capital. The FCDO stated that the UK became the first G7 country to introduce sanctions against Russia's four largest oil companies. Now, UK restrictions cover over 90% of Russia's oil production capacity.
In addition, 12 more oil tankers were added to the sanctions list, bringing the total number of Russian shadow fleet vessels under UK sanctions to over 600. According to the FCDO, these vessels are used to evade sanctions and to transport Russian oil, including through deceptive practices and the use of fake flags.
Furthermore, another 17 legal entities and individuals were sanctioned for supplying Russia with so-called common high-priority items. These include, among others:
- Machine tools
- Electronics and materials necessary for manufacturing ballistic missiles, drones, and other military equipment
According to the FCDO, Russia receives part of these goods through third countries. The FCDO noted that they are identifying those involved and taking appropriate measures against them.
The UK also introduced sanctions against three cryptocurrency exchanges, two payment platforms, and an associated individual suspected of helping Russia evade financial restrictions. According to the department, two of these entities processed transactions through the Kremlin-backed A7 financial network, which last year claimed to have transferred over 90 billion US dollars.
"The message is simple: if you help Russia fund or equip this war, you will be held accountable. By sanctioning these companies, we are not only cutting the flow of Russian oil revenues, but also closing off evasion routes, making it harder for major Russian oil companies to sell their oil through unsanctioned entities," the FCDO emphasized.
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