Fresh sanctions slapped on Russia as shadow fleet vessels and banks named to 'choke off' funds - full list
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Royal Navy ships are having to deploy more often to counteract the level of activity from Moscow vessels
Strong sanctions have been slapped on illicit Russian ships carrying sanctioned cargo to fund its war against Ukraine.
Moscow-based banks and other shady organisations have also been targeted in new legislation by the government. Foreign secretary Ed Miliband announced the new measures against those supporting the Kremlin’s illegal war, which has now entered its fourth year.
He said: “Today’s new sanctions demonstrate the UK’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine and bearing down on those propping up the Kremlin’s aggression. Ukraine’s fight is our fight. Those that threaten Ukraine’s freedom and democracy are a threat to Britain’s security at home. That’s why we will continue stepping up the pressure on Russia until a just and lasting peace has been reached.”
Russia relies on an illicit economic network to fund its war machine. A large part of this is shadow fleet ships, commercial vessels with no flags that carry sanctioned supplies such as crude oil. Royal Navy warships are regularly deployed to monitor these vessels and the Russian Navy warships escorting them through the English Channel.
According to the MoD Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26, Royal Navy vessels were activated 116 times to shadow 61 Russian warships and 28 Moscow merchant vessels in the within the UK’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) during that timeframe. This was organised under Operation Addison.
Within the EEZ, there has been a 30 per cent increase in activity over the past two years. One of these shadow fleet tankers, MV Smyrtos, was boarded by Royal Marines personnel and seized - with the ship’s captain Ajay Pant set to face charges in court of breaching Russian sanctions.
Among the 19 targets sanctioned are six Russian banks, six newly acquired shadow fleet ships, and four Russian companies importing tantalum and niobium, rare metals critical for producing military equipment used on the battlefield in Ukraine.
The UK has imposed sanctions on over 500 individuals, entities, and ships, this year. The total number stands at more than 3,400. Prime minister Andy Burnham reiterated his support for Ukraine during a recent visit to HMNB Portsmouth.
Chancellor John Healey MP said: “Our commitment to stand with the Ukrainian people is absolute. That’s why we’re introducing new tougher sanctions to choke off the funds that fuel Putin’s illegal war and are targeting his shadow fleet. And the UK will continue to step up our action against Russia and its shadow fleet activity to protect our national security, our economy, and global stability.”
List of newly sanctioned entities
FRION SHIP MANAGEMENT LLP
NORTHERN ENGINEERING LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
IMO 9402263 (ASTERAS)
IMO 9326811 (PERSEAS)
IMO 9470131 (TORVIAN)
IMO 9378864 (VISUND)
IMO 9346885 (ZENTURO)
IMO 9333591 (ARCTIC EXPRESS)
LLC OZON BANK
JSC REALIST BANK
JSC TELEPORT BANK
PJSC BANK STAVR
PJSC COMMERCIAL BANK “CENTER-INVEST”
STATE SPECIALISED RUSSIAN EXPORT-IMPORT BANK (JSC)
LLC METALLKOMPLEKT
LLC NIKOM
LLC TECHNOLUX
LLC PROMSIZ
Alexander Aleksandrovich ZHDANOV