UK sanctions Russian individuals for chemical weapons involvement

In June 2025, the United Kingdom imposed new sanctions targeting two high-ranking Russian officials and a Russian entity due to their complicity in the use and transfer of chemical weapons in Ukraine. Aleksey Viktorovich Rtishchev and Andrei Marchenko were specifically identified for their positions within Russia's military, responsible for radiological, chemical, and biological defense. The British government's decision to freeze their assets and impose travel bans directly correlates with their alleged involvement in these acts during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, the sanctions extended to the Joint Stock Company Federal Scientific and Production Centre Scientific Research Institute of Applied Chemistry. This organization was sanctioned for supplying RG-Vo riot control agent grenades to Russian military forces. The grenades were reportedly used in combat against Ukrainian forces, which is viewed as a violation of international law, specifically the Chemical Weapons Convention. These measures reflect the UK's broader campaign to penalize Russia for its ongoing military actions and disregard for international norms. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had earlier stressed a commitment to tightening sanctions against Russia, claiming that the ongoing efforts are crucial to undermining Vladimir Putin's military capabilities. The sanctions were part of a comprehensive strategy to not just target military leaders but also to cut off resources that support the war. The UK government views these actions as essential in the global fight against Russia's aggression in Ukraine. The recent sanctions are aligned with the UK government's consistent attempts to clamp down on various sectors that enable Russian military operations, including financial elements and energy-related companies. Significant focus has been placed on addressing Russia’s shadow fleet, which employs deceptive practices to evade sanctions and transport oil illicitly. Recent sanctions also included penalties against firms facilitating these illegal activities, emphasizing a coordinated approach to combat the funding of Russia's offensive actions against Ukraine.