UK imposes new sanctions on Russia in response to ongoing war in Ukraine

On June 17, 2025, the United Kingdom unveiled a comprehensive package of sanctions directed at Russia, specifically in response to its persistent military actions against Ukraine. The UK government published the official statement detailing these sanctions on its website, making it clear that they were designed to penalize individuals, organizations, and maritime vessels that play a role in supporting the conflict. One of the primary targets of these sanctions is the Main Directorate for Deep-Sea Research, an entity affiliated with the Russian Ministry of Defense, highlighting the UK's strategic focus on disrupting military and defense-related operations. In addition to military targets, the UK's sanctions also extend to companies deeply entrenched in Russia's energy sector. This includes firms such as ROSNEFT MARINE (UK) LIMITED, ORION STAR GROUP LLC, and VALEGRO LLC-FZ, which are integral to the supply chains and operations of energy production. Furthermore, JSC “ATLAS,” which has been instrumental in supporting Russia's extractive industry, has also been subjected to these restrictive measures. This broad scope illustrates the UK's intention of exerting maximum pressure on Russia by targeting key industries that fuel its economy and military capabilities. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated that more information regarding these sanctions would be shared during the G7 summit in Canada, providing an international framework for further discussions on the implications of the sanctions. Prime Minister Starmer's involvement underscores the UK's active role in coordinating with global partners to address the ongoing crisis precipitated by Russia's actions. It is notable that since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the UK government has implemented sanctions on over 2,300 individuals, entities, and vessels, clearly indicating the escalating response to Russia's military aggression. As the situation evolves, the sanctions will be pivotal in maintaining pressure on Russia regarding its annexation of Ukrainian territories, which began in 2014. With the European Union also extending its sanctions against Russia until June 23, 2026, a united front is being presented by Western nations against Russia's illegal actions. The UK’s sanctions are not only focused on immediate military consequences but also aim to create long-term economic ramifications that could influence Russia’s strategy in the ongoing conflict.