The United Kingdom has announced a fresh wave of sanctions against key figures linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The move is part of an ongoing effort to weaken the Kremlin and put pressure on Russia due to its actions in Ukraine. The UK government says these sanctions will make it harder for Putin’s close allies to continue supporting his administration.
The new restrictions come almost a year after the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, a vocal critic of Putin’s regime. Many of those targeted in this round of sanctions are individuals holding powerful positions in the Russian government and business sector. Among them is Pavel Fradkov, a senior figure in the Russian Defence Ministry, and Vladimir Selin, who leads another important department within the ministry.
Additionally, the UK has sanctioned Artem Chaika, a businessman whose company is believed to support Russia’s state-owned enterprises. Chaika, the son of a former Russian prosecutor-general, has been accused of using his business empire to further the Kremlin’s interests.
Vance Warns Putin: U.S. Will Act Tough on Ukraine with Sanctions and Military Force
These measures were announced by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who made it clear that Britain will not stop taking action against Russia. “I am introducing additional sanctions to maintain pressure on Putin,” Lammy declared. “Ukrainians are defending their nation’s future and upholding the principle of sovereignty across Europe on the front lines.”
UK Sanctions Russian Nuclear-Linked Entities
Along with targeting individuals, the UK has also imposed sanctions on two Russian organizations linked to Rosatom, Russia’s nuclear energy giant. These entities are accused of helping Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.
While the UK government did not provide detailed information on these organizations, it emphasized that their work supports Russia’s battlefield activities. This move is part of a broader strategy to cut off financial and material resources that enable Russia to continue its aggression.
Lammy took this message to the Munich Security Conference, where he met Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Alexei Navalny. He expressed Britain’s commitment to standing with those who oppose Putin and fight for human rights in Russia. The UK government reiterated that it remains on the side of activists and civil society members who are working to bring change despite facing personal risks.
Poroshenko Slammed by Zelensky’s Controversial Sanctions
Strengthening Global Alliances Against Russia
Lammy’s participation in the Munich Security Conference was not just about announcing sanctions; it was also an opportunity to strengthen alliances. The UK is urging its global partners to increase their support for Ukraine. Lammy emphasized that standing by Ukraine is not just a European issue—it is a global one.
Last week, Lammy visited Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, where he assured Ukrainian leaders that the UK will continue to provide strong support. He is also using the Munich conference to encourage other nations to remain committed to helping Ukraine.
One of Lammy’s key meetings in Munich was with US Vice President J.D. Vance. The UK Foreign Secretary described the UK-US relationship as the “backbone” of security and prosperity for both nations. He confirmed that Britain and the US would continue working together, not only in terms of security but also in strengthening economic ties. “We reaffirmed the special UK-US partnership and explored ways to strengthen our robust trade, which already supports millions of jobs and drives economic growth,” Lammy said.
The UK remains determined to weaken Putin’s grip on power and prevent his allies from benefitting from the war in Ukraine. With these new sanctions, Britain has sent a strong message: those who support Putin’s regime will face serious consequences.
