The United Kingdom imposed 70 new sanctions on Russia on Tuesday. British officials announced the measures during the G7 Summit as the country sought to disrupt Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper led the push. The sanctions hit more than 20 oil tankers in Russia’s shadow fleet, ship insurers, and other maritime services. They also targeted vessels linked to the Arctic LNG 2 project.
The package exposed a Russian military intelligence network. Officials sanctioned three companies and 10 officers from the GRU, centred around the front company LLC Neptune Co Ltd. These targets procured western technology for Russia’s military.
British authorities also designated suppliers in China, Thailand, and Türkiye. They hit entities involved in illicit finance, including one in Nigeria that supported the A7 sanctions evasion scheme. The moves followed recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians and holy sites.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the sanctions targeted vessels, money, and actors propping up Russia’s war economy. “These sanctions target the vessels, the money and the actors propping up Russia’s war economy, and in turn, threatening European security,” he said. He added that the UK would continue pressure with G7 allies until peace returned.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper explained the timing. “As the Kremlin resorts to ever more shady tactics to sustain its war, from its ageing shadow fleet to covert finance networks, the UK remains one step ahead in shutting them down,” she declared. She stressed the sanctions aimed to starve Russia’s war machine.
The United Kingdom has sanctioned nearly 500 individuals, entities, and ships under its Russia regime in 2026 alone. Officials noted that sanctions limited Russia’s oil and LNG trade. For instance, the Arctic LNG-2 terminal exported far below capacity in 2025.
The action came as G7 leaders discussed support for Ukraine. Britain committed significant aid and stood firm with allies. The sanctions demonstrated continued resolve to weaken Russia’s ability to fund its conflict.
