UK ‌tightens Russia Sanctions Amid⁣ G7 Summit

⁤ Updated June 17, 2025
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KANANASKIS, Alberta –‍ The United Kingdom escalated its sanctions against Russia’s “shadow fleet”⁢ on Tuesday, targeting vessels allegedly used ‍to evade oil ⁤export restrictions. The new measures, announced during ‌the G7 Summit in Canada, include asset freezes and travel bans on⁤ 20 additional ships and 10 ⁢individuals and entities involved in energy and shipping sectors.This action ​aims to increase economic pressure on Moscow.

Among those sanctioned are the Orion Star ‌group, Rosneft⁣ Marine (U.K.), and the deep-sea research unit within Russia’s defense ministry. London also targeted U.K. residents⁣ Vladimir Pristoupa and Olech Tkacz, accusing them of funneling over $120 million ‌in high-tech electronics to Russia ⁢through shell companies. The U.K.’s ‍latest round of‌ sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet ​underscores its commitment to disrupting‌ Moscow’s war efforts.

prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the ​importance of these measures. “These sanctions strike ‌right at the heart of Mr. Putin’s war machine, choking off his ability to continue his barbaric⁣ war‌ in Ukraine,” Starmer said. “We will not hesitate to keep tightening the screws.”

Downing‍ Street estimates ⁣that sanctions have cost Russia $450 billion, perhaps impacting its ability to ⁣fund the invasion of Ukraine. Since the conflict began in February 2022,the ⁢U.K. has sanctioned over 2,300 individuals, entities, ‌and ships.

Foreign minister David Lammy‌ stated ​the U.K.will⁢ “systematically dismantle his (Mr. Putin’s) ​dangerous shadow fleet, starve his war machine, and ⁣support Ukraine to defend itself.”

What’s next

Starmer intends to collaborate with​ G7 partners to⁢ refine and strengthen these sanctions, urging increased economic ⁢pressure on President Vladimir Putin to‌ demonstrate a commitment to peace. However,Ukrainian ‌President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hopes to discuss further sanctions‍ with U.S. President Donald Trump were dashed when⁣ Trump left ​the‍ summit early due to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.