The United Kingdom has announced the introduction of 70 new sanctions targeting Russia's "shadow fleet," military procurement supply chains, and illegal financial networks used to circumvent sanctions; notably, it became the first among G7 countries to impose sanctions on several Russian LNG tankers, the British government reported on Tuesday, according to UNN.
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The UK is reportedly increasing pressure on Russia during the G7 summit following the latest horrific attacks on Ukraine, which resulted in civilian deaths and the destruction of holy sites.
In 2024, the UK has reportedly already imposed sanctions on nearly 500 individuals, organizations, and vessels under its Russia sanctions regime, as allied support for Ukraine remains at the top of the G7 agenda.
"Today’s sanctions further tighten the grip on Russia’s outdated and aging 'shadow fleet,' affecting over 20 oil tankers through new and expanded powers introduced last month. The UK is also increasing pressure on those suspected of supporting Putin’s illegal oil trade by imposing additional sanctions on insurance companies and other shipping services," the statement said.
It is also reported that the UK "became the first G7 country to impose sanctions on several liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers recently acquired by Russia at great expense to serve the sanctioned Russian 'Arctic LNG-2' project, responsible for exporting millions of tons of LNG in an attempt to generate illicit revenue for the Kremlin."
"These sanctions target the vessels, money, and individuals supporting Russia’s war economy and, in turn, threatening European security. Working with our G7 allies, we will continue to increase pressure on Putin and his inner circle until the Russian war machine is stopped and peace returns to our continent," noted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
As reported, "the new measures expose and target a Russian military intelligence (GRU) network centered around the GRU front company LLC Neptune Co Ltd ('Neptune')." "Neptune" is reportedly involved in the clandestine procurement of Western technology for the Russian military.
"Today’s actions target three companies and 10 GRU officers suspected of acquiring military technologies that are desperately needed by Russia to sustain its military aggression in Ukraine," the statement reads.
Furthermore, it is noted that "the sanctions affect suppliers of critical military equipment to Russia from third countries: China, Thailand, and Turkey. Several organizations helping Russia illegally transfer money by bypassing Western sanctions were also sanctioned, including one entity in Nigeria supporting the sanctions evasion scheme of the A7 illegal finance network."
"G7 leaders, meeting in Évian-les-Bains, will discuss their shared determination to confront the greatest threat to global security – Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. Amidst the UK's increased pressure on the Russian war economy, today’s actions demonstrate an unwavering resolve to protect security in Ukraine, Europe, and at home," the statement says.