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On Monday, February 24, the UK government announced the largest package of sanctions against Russia since the beginning of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago.
This is stated in a press release published on the UK government’s website, Ukrinform reports.
“Today’s action, the largest in almost three years, underscores the UK’s commitment to Ukraine. Every military supply line disrupted, every rouble blocked, and every enabler of Putin’s aggression exposed is a step towards a just and lasting peace, and towards security and prosperity in the UK as a part of this government’s Plan for Change. Lasting peace will only be achieved through strength. That is why we are focused on putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position. As the world marks the grim milestone of Putin’s full-scale invasion entering its fourth year, we cannot and will not turn our backs on Ukraine in their fight for our shared security,” stated UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
The sanctions list includes 107 individuals and legal entities. These are producers and suppliers of machine tools, electronics and dual-use goods for Russia’s military, including microprocessors used in weapons systems. These are based in a range of third countries including Central Asian states, Turkey, Thailand, India and China, which is the largest supplier of critical goods for Russia’s military.
The sanctions list also includes North Korean Defence Minister No Kwang Chol and other North Korean generals and senior officials complicit in deploying over 11,000 DPRK forces to Russia.
In addition, the government imposed sanctions on 13 Russian individuals and legal entities, including LLC Grant-Trade, its owner Marat Mustafaev and his sister Dinara Mustafaeva, who have used the company to funnel advanced European technology into Russia to support its illegal war.
For the first time, the UK is introducing sanctions against foreign financial institutions supporting Russia’s war machine.
“We are sanctioning the Kyrgyzstan-based OJSC Keremet Bank, disrupting Russia’s use of the international financial system to support its war efforts,” the document reads.
In addition, the new sanctions will put further pressure on Putin’s energy revenues, the most vital source of funding for his illegal invasion. They include specification of another 40 ‘shadow fleet’ ships carrying Russian oil. These vessels have collectively carried more than $5 billion worth of Russian oil and oil products in the last six months alone. The specifications bring the total number of oil tankers sanctioned by the UK to 133 – the highest of any nation in Europe.
Finally, the UK introduced restrictive measures against 14 ‘New Kleptocrats’, some of whom are fronting up strategic sectors of Russia’s economy. Among them are Roman Trotsenko, one of the wealthiest men in Russia, worth £2.2 billion.
As reported earlier, EU foreign ministers adopted the 16th package of sanctions against Russia over its aggression against Ukraine.
