UK expands Russia sanctions with 31 new measures: Here’s why

On Thursday, the British government announced 31 new sanctions targeting Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine as these escalatory measures are aimed at increasing pressure on individuals and entities linked to Russia’s military activities.

The Foreign Office declared in a statement that the 31 new measures include sanctioning LNG “shadow fleet” vessels, along with Kremlin propaganda outlets and human rights abusers. According to the statement, the sanctions target eight people involved in the serious violations of international law during the conflict and the ill-treatment of Ukrainian civilians.

It added that a further seven individuals are being targeted for their roles in the indoctrination and militarisation of Ukrainian children including those deported by the Russian authorities.

Minister for Europe Lord Wood of Anfield said in the statement, “We are targeting both the revenues that help sustain Russia’s aggression and perpetrators of horrendous crimes against Ukrainian civilians, including children. The UK will not flinch in our support for Ukraine.”

The UK government highlighted that the new policies illustrate the country’s determination alongside partners to hold those responsible for Russian state aggression against Ukraine to account constrain its wartime revenues and defend the security of Ukraine, the UK and Europe.

Furthermore, the statement underlines that while the UK does not seek confrontation and will maintain its stance until Putin chooses to end his senseless and barbaric war, UK support for Ukraine will remain unshakeable.