The United Kingdom has unveiled a new package of sanctions targeting Russia's shadow fleet and military supply chains, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer attends the G7 summit in Evian, France. The announcement brings the total number of sanctioned shadow fleet and Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels to more than 600.
Details of the Sanctions
The 70 new sanctions focus on Russia's shadow fleet, military procurement networks, and illicit finance systems used to circumvent existing restrictions. Among the targets is a front company called Neptune, which the UK alleges is involved in procuring Western technology for Russian military intelligence. Additionally, three companies and 10 officers from Russia's GRU military intelligence have been sanctioned for their roles in acquiring such technology.
The sanctions also target several vessels identified as transporting banned Russian LNG. This move is expected to further restrict Russia's ability to export energy and fund its war efforts.
Enforcement Actions
British troops seized a Russian shadow fleet vessel in the English Channel over the weekend for the first time. The captain of the Smyrtos tanker, Ajay Pant, 38, has been charged with contravening sanctions by the Crown Prosecution Service and will appear in court on Tuesday.
Prime Minister's Statement
Sir Keir Starmer stated: "These sanctions target the vessels, the money and the actors propping up Russia's war economy, and in turn, threatening European security. Working with our G7 allies, we will continue to increase the pressure on Putin and his circle of collaborators until Russia's war machine is brought to a halt and peace returns to our continent."
Additional Measures
In a related development, UK-based Urenco will supply enriched uranium to Ukraine's nuclear power producer, Energoatom, for two years. The deal, backed by £210 million of UK export finance, was agreed last week.
G7 Summit Context
Sir Keir is attending the G7 summit amid domestic pressure over long-term military funding. There is potential for friction with US President Donald Trump, who was pictured sitting next to the Prime Minister at a working leaders' dinner. The relationship has been strained by Sir Keir's announcement of a social media ban for under-16s, which contrasts with the Trump administration's pro-tech stance.
Recent interventions from US Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth related to the murder of student Henry Nowak prompted No 10 to criticize those seeking to "interfere in our democracy."
The Prime Minister and his wife, Lady Victoria Starmer, met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the summit. Sir Keir updated Merz on his social media ban and discussed the UK's ambitions to move closer to the EU. The leaders also met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, discussing Euro-Atlantic security and innovative defense financing. Canada is spearheading the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, which aims to help member countries fund defense projects at low cost.
The G7 summit also coincides with President Trump's peace deal with Iran, which he says will see oil flow freely again through the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is expected to be fully opened on Friday when the deal is signed in Switzerland.
