The United Kingdom has announced a new package of sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on Russia, coinciding with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's attendance at the G7 summit in Evian, France.
New Sanctions Package
The 70 new sanctions target Russia's shadow fleet, military procurement supply chains, and illicit finance networks used to circumvent existing sanctions. They include actions against a front company called Neptune, which the UK claims is involved in procuring Western technology for Russian military intelligence. Additionally, three companies and 10 officers from Russia's GRU military intelligence are sanctioned for suspected acquisition of such technology.
The sanctions also target vessels identified as transporting banned Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG). This brings the total number of sanctioned shadow fleet and Russian LNG vessels to over 600.
Wider Targets
The measures are expected to impact a network covertly procuring Western technology for Russia's military and third-country suppliers assisting Moscow in moving money internationally.
This follows a weekend operation where British troops seized a Russian shadow fleet vessel in the Channel for the first time. The captain of the Smyrtos tanker, Ajay Pant, 38, has been charged with contravening sanctions and is due 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."
Uranium Supply Deal
Separately, UK-based Urenco will supply enriched uranium to Ukraine's nuclear power producer, Energoatom, for two years under a deal backed by 210 million pounds of UK export finance.
G7 Summit Context
Sir Keir faces international counterparts to discuss global threats amid domestic pressure over long-term military funding. There is potential for friction with US President Donald Trump, who was pictured sitting next to Sir Keir at a working dinner on the summit's first night, reflecting a strained relationship.
The Prime Minister has also announced a social media ban for under-16s, despite warnings from the pro-tech US administration. Recent interventions by 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."
Sir Keir and his wife, Lady Victoria Starmer, met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the summit, updating him on the social media ban and discussing UK ambitions to move closer to the EU. They also met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss strengthening Euro-Atlantic security and innovative defense financing.
The G7 summit coincides with Trump's peace deal with Iran, which he says will reopen the Strait of Hormuz for oil shipments. The deal is to be signed in Switzerland on Friday.
