UK Starmer announces largest-ever sanctions package against Russia

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the new sanctions are the largest package the UK has imposed against Russia. He announced the measures in a statement.

"The threat Russia poses to our national security cannot be underestimated. To ramp up the pressure on Putin, I’m announcing the largest package of sanctions yet. I will always do what it takes to safeguard working people. Security at home. Strength abroad," Starmer wrote.

Earlier, the official website of the UK government also reported on the sanctions.

“Russia’s shadow fleet will be hit with the largest ever sanctions package today, ramping up pressure on Putin and protecting UK and European critical national infrastructure,” the statement says.

The UK government will impose sanctions on at least 100 oil tankers, which are a core part of Vladimir Putin’s “shadow fleet” and are responsible for transporting cargo worth more than $24 billion since the start of 2024.

The government states that the shadow fleet, linked to individuals close to Putin, not only finances the war in Ukraine but also poses risks to European infrastructure due to the poor condition of the vessels, causing damage.

“Every step we take to increase pressure on Russia and achieve a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine is another step towards security and prosperity in the UK,” said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The statement says that infrastructure is under threat due to unseaworthy vessels that lack safety certificates, proper navigation equipment, or deliberately disable location systems.

The UK government also plans to hold accountable the individuals and entities behind the organization of “shadow fleet” shipments, emphasizing: “there is no place to hide for those who help fund Putin’s war machine.”

• Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate has published a list of 11 Russian captains and 31 maritime vessels involved in schemes to circumvent international sanctions on Russian oil trade.