The United Kingdom has announced a major step in its efforts to pressure Russia, unveiling 100 new sanctions aimed at cutting off key funding and supplies for Moscow’s war effort. The announcement comes as Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine, including missile and drone strikes hitting government buildings in Kyiv.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announced the measures while traveling to Kyiv to show solidarity with Ukraine. She said the sanctions target both financial flows and military supply chains that are crucial to sustaining Russia’s ongoing conflict.
Shadow Fleet and Oil Revenues Targeted
A central focus of the new sanctions is Russia’s shadow fleet — a hidden network of oil tankers that secretly carries Russian crude to different countries. These ships allow Russia to continue earning money from oil sales even when other countries try to block its exports. The United Kingdom has blacklisted 70 additional vessels, more than any other country has sanctioned so far. These ships are a key part of Russia’s oil revenue system, providing funds that help sustain military operations in Ukraine.
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Officials emphasized that restricting the fleet is vital to cutting off cash flows that support weapons, troops, and other war-related resources. By limiting these revenues, the United Kingdom aims to weaken Russia’s ability to continue its offensive operations. The measures also include individuals and companies involved in logistics and trading within this network, highlighting the breadth of the sanctions.
Military Suppliers Face Economic Pressure
Alongside maritime sanctions, the United Kingdom targeted 30 companies and individuals accused of supplying Russia with military technology. Among these are Shenzhen Blue Hat International Trade, based in China, and its Russian co-owners, as well as Mastel Makina Ithalat Ihracat from Turkey and its Azerbaijani CEO.
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Officials said these companies supplied electronics and components used in Iskander and Kh-101 missiles and Russian drones. Cutting off access to these critical technologies is intended to reduce Russia’s ability to maintain missile and drone attacks.
These sanctions come as Russia has escalated its air campaign. In the past fortnight alone, Russia launched the largest single air assault of the war, firing over 800 missiles and drones in one night. In July, a total of 6,500 missiles and drones were deployed — ten times the number used a year earlier. Recent strikes have not only targeted government buildings in Kyiv but also damaged international institutions such as the British Council and the EU delegation.
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United Kingdom Shows Solidarity with Ukraine
The United Kingdom government stressed that the sanctions are part of a wider effort to support Ukraine. Yvette Cooper highlighted that some Russian drone strikes even violated NATO airspace, highlighting the need for urgent international action. She described the sanctions as a critical step in cutting off resources Russia relies on to fund its illegal war.
By targeting both oil revenues and military suppliers, the United Kingdom aims to limit Russia’s ability to carry out attacks and sustain its operations. Officials noted that these measures complement existing security support and cooperation with international partners, reinforcing pressure on Moscow while backing Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The United Kingdom emphasized that economic action is a key part of a broader strategy, alongside military and diplomatic efforts, to increase pressure on Russia as the conflict intensifies. The sanctions are intended to make it more difficult for Russia to fund its military and acquire components for its missiles and drones, directly impacting its capacity to wage war.
