On Monday, February 24, the UK government announced its largest package of sanctions against Russia since the beginning of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago.
This was stated in a government press release.
"Today's sanctions, the largest in three years (of full-scale war), underscore the UK's commitment to Ukraine. Every disrupted military supply chain, every blocked ruble, and every exposed accomplice of Putin’s aggression is a step towards a just and lasting peace, as well as towards security and prosperity in the UK. Lasting peace can only be achieved through strength. That is why we are focused on putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position. Today, as the world marks a grim milestone of Putin’s full-scale invasion entering its fourth year, we cannot and will not turn away from Ukraine, which is fighting for our shared security," said UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
A total of 107 individuals and legal entities have been added to the sanctions list. These include manufacturers and suppliers of machinery, electronics, and dual-use goods for the Russian military, including microprocessors used in weapons systems. These companies are based in several third countries, including Central Asian nations, Turkey, Thailand, India, and China, which is the largest supplier of critical goods for the Russian military.
Sanctions also target North Korea’s Minister of Defense, No Kwang-chol, along with other North Korean generals and high-ranking officials involved in sending over 11,000 DPRK military personnel to Russia.
Additionally, the UK government imposed sanctions on 13 Russian individuals and legal entities, including Grant-Trade LLC, its owner Marat Mustafayev, and his sister Dinara Mustafayeva. They used the company to supply Russia with advanced European technologies to support its illegal war against Ukraine.
For the first time, the UK has imposed sanctions on a foreign financial institution supporting Russia’s war machine.
"We are imposing sanctions on Keremet Bank from Kyrgyzstan, preventing Russia from using the international financial system to support its military efforts," the UK government stated.
The UK also added 40 more vessels from Russia’s so-called "shadow fleet" to the sanctions list. Over the past six months alone, these ships have transported Russian oil and petroleum products worth more than $5 billion.
