The package hits six Russian banks, six shadow fleet tankers and companies tied to imports of tantalum and niobium, metals the UK says are critical for military equipment used in Ukraine.
The UK expanded its Russia sanctions regime with 19 new entries covering six banks, six shadow fleet tankers, four Russian companies and other businesses and individuals accused of supporting Moscow's war in Ukraine. Announced by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, the package is aimed at Russia's military machine, oil and gas revenues and sanctions-evasion network. The UK said four of the companies imported tantalum and niobium, rare metals used in military equipment, while the vessels were involved in carrying Russian oil, petroleum products or liquefied natural gas to third countries. The six banks were hit with asset freeze measures, trust services restrictions and director disqualification sanctions, and UK financial institutions are barred from maintaining correspondent banking relationships with them or processing payments to, from, or through them. London said it has sanctioned more than 500 individuals, entities and ships under its Russia regime this year, taking the total to more than 3,400.