The United Kingdom has announced a new package of 31 sanctions against Russia, targeting sources of war financing, propaganda networks, and individuals accused of torturing Ukrainian civilians and facilitating the deportation of Ukrainian children.
The latest measures come as London increases economic pressure on the Kremlin ahead of the winter months, seeking to restrict resources that could be used to support Russia’s war effort.
The sanctions also target vessels linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” which is used to transport liquefied natural gas, as well as networks that the British government says are involved in Russian disinformation campaigns.
The package includes sanctions against individuals allegedly connected to the torture of Ukrainian civilians, as well as the deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children in Russian-controlled territories.
The British government said the measures are intended to disrupt the flow of money into what it describes as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “war chest,” while also countering Moscow’s efforts to influence public opinion through propaganda and manipulated information.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has previously warned that Britain would take a tougher approach to Russia’s information warfare, saying Moscow-linked agencies and networks were using “every tool available” to spread what he described as lies and disinformation.
London has introduced additional measures throughout the year against Russian information networks, including organizations and individuals accused of helping disseminate Kremlin narratives and destabilize Ukraine.
The latest package demonstrates that Britain’s sanctions strategy extends beyond financial restrictions, encompassing energy transportation, propaganda, influence networks and individuals accused of abuses against Ukrainian civilians and children.
The UK government has said it will continue using sanctions to limit Russia’s ability to finance the war and target structures supporting its activities both inside and outside Ukraine.
