UK unveils largest sanctions package against Russia targeting oil and military supply chains

The United Kingdom announced its largest sanctions package against Russia since the early months of the invasion Tuesday, targeting nearly 300 entities and individuals on the fourth anniversary of the war's escalation. The measures focus on crippling Moscow's energy revenues and disrupting military supply chains that sustain its war effort.

Energy Sector Targeting

According to a Foreign Office statement, the sanctions target PJSC Transneft, "one of the world's largest oil pipeline companies, responsible for transporting over 80% of Russian oil exports." The action aims to "further hamper the Kremlin's desperate scramble to find buyers for its sanctioned oil." The package also targets Russia's covert oil trading network, sanctioning 175 companies linked to the "2Rivers" oil group—described as one of the world's largest shadow fleet operators and a key trader of Russian crude.

Military Supply Chain Disruption

The measures hit 49 entities and individuals involved in supplying Russian drones, components, and technology, as well as actors in Russia's liquefied natural gas sector. Nine banks handling Russian cross-border payments are also included in the package, further constricting Moscow's access to the international financial system. The coordinated action aims to degrade Russia's ability to produce weapons and sustain its military operations.

UK Support for Ukraine

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announced the sanctions while in Kyiv, where she pledged £30 million ($40.52 million) in new funding to strengthen Ukrainian energy resilience and support recovery efforts. "Today I'm in Kyiv announcing £30 million in funding to strengthen Ukrainian energy resilience and support recovery, taking the total UK support to £21.8 billion since the start of the war," Cooper stated. She emphasized that "Ukraine's security is our security," reaffirming Britain's commitment to defending European security alongside the Ukrainian people. The comprehensive package represents London's determination to maintain economic pressure on Moscow even as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continue.