The UK has imposed sanctions on 19 individuals, companies, banks and vessels accused of supporting Russia’s war effort, including six banks and six oil tankers linked to Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet, the UK Defence Journal understands.
The latest measures were announced by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband as part of his first major Russia sanctions package since taking office. According to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the designations are intended to restrict revenue, financial services and access to materials used by Russia’s defence sector.
Six Russian banks have been added to the UK sanctions regime: Ozon Bank, Realist Bank, Teleport Bank, Bank Stavr, Commercial Bank Center-Invest and the State Specialised Russian Export-Import Bank. The government said the institutions were supporting Russia’s wartime economy.
The package also covers six tankers identified by their International Maritime Organization numbers and current names. They are Asteras, Perseas, Torvian, Visund, Zenturo and Arctic Express.
Western governments use the term “shadow fleet” to describe vessels employed to transport Russian oil while attempting to avoid sanctions, price caps and other restrictions imposed following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Such ships are often associated with opaque ownership structures, frequent changes of flag or management, and limited links to established Western insurers.
Two companies connected with ship management and engineering, Frion Ship Management LLP and Northern Engineering Limited Liability Company, were also designated.
Four Russian businesses involved in importing tantalum and niobium have been sanctioned. The companies are Metallkomplekt, Nikom, Technolux and Promsiz. Both metals have industrial and defence applications, including use in specialist alloys, electronic components and equipment exposed to high temperatures.
The nineteenth target is Alexander Aleksandrovich Zhdanov. The government said the wider package was directed at individuals and organisations enabling Russia’s military activity and helping the Kremlin maintain revenue streams.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said, as quoted in the press release: “Today’s new sanctions demonstrate the UK’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine and bearing down on those propping up the Kremlin’s aggression.”
He added: “Ukraine’s fight is our fight. Those that threaten Ukraine’s freedom and democracy are a threat to Britain’s security at home. That’s why we will continue stepping up the pressure on Russia until a just and lasting peace has been reached.”
The announcement follows talks between Miliband and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on 5 August. The FCDO said their discussions covered continued pressure on Russia and the relationship between Ukrainian, European and transatlantic security.
Miliband also joined the Prime Minister in Portsmouth during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the UK the previous week. During the visit, the government announced further support for Ukrainian drone capabilities.
John Healey said: “Our commitment to stand with the Ukrainian people is absolute.”
He continued: “That’s why we’re introducing new tougher sanctions to choke off the funds that fuel Putin’s illegal war and are targeting his shadow fleet. And the UK will continue to step up our action against Russia and its shadow fleet activity to protect our national security, our economy, and global stability.”
The government said it has sanctioned more than 500 individuals, organisations and vessels under the Russia sanctions regime during 2026. Since the regime was introduced, more than 3,400 individuals, entities and ships have been designated.
UK sanctions can include asset freezes, restrictions on access to British financial services, travel bans and prohibitions on providing specified goods or services. Their application depends on the terms attached to each individual designation.
