The UK government has introduced a new package of sanctions against Russia and a number of individuals and companies from Belarus, Iran, and other entities aiding the regime. They are suspected of collaborating with Moscow in the supply of Western weapons for the war in Ukraine. According to a statement by the UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, restrictions have been imposed on 25 individuals and companies.
The "blacklist" includes the Iranian company Paravar Pars, as well as individuals involved in research and development of drones for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Additionally, Britain has imposed sanctions on the Belarusian enterprise "Homiel Radio Plant" and several defense organizations associated with the production and supply of equipment that aided Russia's war against Ukraine.
Furthermore, two Turkish companies, Turkik Union and Azu International, have been added to the list due to their illegal export of microelectronics to Russia. Dubai-based company Aeromotus Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Trading LLC has also faced sanctions for facilitating the delivery of drones and weapon components.
Individual sanctions have also been imposed on several individuals, including:
- Ashot Mkrtychev, a Slovak citizen (sanctioned for complicity in attempting an "arms" deal between Russia and North Korea).
- Anselm Oskar Schmucki, a Swiss citizen (sanctioned for his role as head of Moscow office of DuLac Capital Ltd.).
Additionally, sanctions have been directed at three Russian electronics companies for their involvement in procuring microelectronics from Western countries for export to Russia.
Cleverly stated that the UK will continue its efforts to counter Iranian and Belarusian individuals and entities supporting Russia with weapons. He also highlighted Iran's destabilizing role in global security, particularly its export of drones for attacks by the Russian army in Ukraine.
"The UK will contribute to international pressure to ensure the effectiveness of sanctions, investigate actions that help circumvent them, and take appropriate measures," the minister said.
As CNN specifies, the new sanctions list includes 6 restrictions against Belarus and 19 targeting individuals connected to Russia, as well as companies based in Slovakia and Switzerland.