UK adds 19 targets to Russia sanctions list

The UK on Thursday added 19 new entries to its sanctions list targeting Russia, including 13 individuals and entities and six vessels accused of supporting Moscow or transporting Russian energy products.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said the measures were imposed under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.

Media additions

The new designations target a combination of financial institutions, energy companies, shipping firms, individuals, and vessels.

Financial and corporate targets

Six Russian financial institutions, Ozon Bank, Russian Export-Import Bank, Center-Invest Bank, Realist Bank, Bank Stavr, and Teleport Bank, were targeted with asset freezes, trust services restrictions, and director disqualification sanctions.

UK financial institutions are also prohibited from maintaining correspondent banking relationships with the listed banks or processing payments to, from, or through them.

Corporate entities across the energy and supply sectors were also penalized:

• Northern Engineering LLC: Northern Engineering LLC was sanctioned over its operations in Russia’s strategically important energy sector.
• Frion Ship Management LLP: India-based Frion Ship Management LLP was listed for allegedly supporting the sale of the Arctic Express LNG tanker into Russian ownership and control.
• Metallkomplekt, Nikom, Promsiz, and Technolux: Four Russian companies, including Metallkomplekt, Nikom, Promsiz, and Technolux, were sanctioned for allegedly supplying goods or technology that could contribute to destabilising Ukraine or threatening its territorial integrity.

The list also includes Russian national Aleksander Zhdanov, owner of chemical company Siltron. He faces an asset freeze, travel ban, trust-services restrictions, and director disqualification.

Shipping and maritime restrictions

Six vessels were placed under shipping and trade sanctions: the Arctic Express, Perseas, Torvian, Asteras, Visund, and Zenturo.

The UK said the Russian-flagged Arctic Express had transported liquefied natural gas originating in Russia to a third country. The other five vessels were accused of carrying Russian-origin oil or petroleum products to third countries.

The ships are prohibited from entering UK ports and may be detained or directed to move. Providing them with technical, crewing, operating, chartering, brokering, or financial services is also prohibited.

Reactions and institutional responses

Ozon Bank continues to operate as usual, the credit institution’s press service told Tass.

The bank holds no assets abroad, conducts no operations outside Russia, serves clients within the country, and does not use the SWIFT system, relying solely on Russian financial infrastructure, the press service noted.

Therefore, the new sanctions measures will not impact Ozon Bank, the press service stressed.

It was also reported that the European Union is reviewing its approach to sanctions against Russia.

Broader sanctions timeline

The latest announcement follows multiple rounds of Western sanctions activity:

• June 16: On June 16, UK authorities expanded the sanctions list against Moscow by 43 entries, imposing restrictions on 32 legal entities and 11 individuals.
• July 13: On July 13, the UK imposed sanctions on GRU (the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces) officers allegedly involved in cyber operations against London, as well as on the Rybar military analytical center.
• August 4: On 4 August, the US imposed sanctions on a number of entities within the Russian Defence Ministry as well as two Russian companies and five Russian nationals.
• August 6: LONDON, August 6. /TASS/. The United Kingdom has expanded its anti-Russian sanctions list with 19 entries, adding 12 companies, including seven banks, one individual, and six vessels, according to a document published by the UK Foreign Office.

Under the asset-freeze measures, funds and economic resources belonging to designated persons must be frozen and cannot be made available to them without an exemption or licence.