UK imposes new sanctions against Russia, targeting shadow fleet and defense ministry

Sanctions were imposed against 10 new organizations and 20 new shadow fleet vessels.

The government's press service notes that the sanctions are aimed at individuals and businesses that are involved or have been involved in destabilizing, undermining, or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, or independence of Ukraine. They also impose economic sanctions on those who benefit from or support the Russian government.

In addition, it is known that the UK has imposed sanctions on the Russian Defense Ministry's Main Directorate for Deep Sea Research.

Earlier, the UK had already imposed sanctions on more than 2,300 people since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

New sanctions against Russia

The leadership of the European Union, Britain, and a number of other European countries plan to ban companies from cooperating with two Chinese banks that helped Russia circumvent existing trade sanctions.

These restrictions may be included in the draft 18th EU sanctions package, which aims to increase pressure on Moscow to achieve a quick ceasefire and start peace talks. The European Commission is expected to present a new package of sanctions by the end of June, and approval among all member states is expected to be obtained before the summit in Brussels on June 26.

However, according to some media reports, the 18th package of sanctions is considered one of the toughest since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, so its approval may be difficult.

In early April, senators from the Republican and Democratic parties proposed a bill to impose severe sanctions on Russia in response to its refusal to make a long-term peace with Ukraine.