UK announces new round of Russia sanctions over Ukraine war


LONDON, United Kingdom - The British government on Wednesday announced a fresh round of sanctions targeting Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said the new sanctions on organisations that Russian President Vladimir Putin's military relied on would "accelerate the economic pressure on Putin -- undermining his war machine to help Ukraine prevail".

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) arrives with Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street in central London on February 8, 2023, ahead of their meeting. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday made his first visit to the UK since the Russian invasion of his country, Britain said, announcing that it would offer fighter jet training to Ukrainian troops (JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)

The sanctions package, announced as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the UK, would hit six organisations providing military equipment such as drones.

It would also target eight individuals and one organisation connected to "nefarious financial networks that help maintain wealth and power amongst Kremlin elites", the government said in a statement.

"I am determined, consistent with our laws, that Russia will have no access to the assets we have frozen until it ends, once and for all, its threats to Ukraine's territorial sovereignty and integrity," Cleverly added.

The UK has sanctioned over 1,300 individuals and entities since Putin unleashed his invasion nearly a year ago.