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UK Imposes New Russia Sanctions – Details

30 new UK sanctions target Russia’s war chest – Here’s what every compliance officer must know now.


Red background with "UK Sanctions Against Russia" text. Black "Customs Manager" label with world map. UK map silhouette in red.

The UK has just rolled out 30 new sanctions aimed at Russia’s financial, military, and energy sectors, turning up the pressure on President Putin as he digs in and escalates the war in Ukraine.


For those of us in Sanctions Compliance, Export Controls, and Trade Regulation, these measures aren’t just headlines – they are operational priorities that demand immediate attention.




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Key Questions Covered in This Blog:


Part I – New Listings:

  • Who are the key individuals and entities newly listed by the UK?

  • What is the significance of the 20 shadow fleet oil tankers targeted?

  • What UK-based individuals have been sanctioned and why?


Part II – New Trade Measures:

  • How does the UK target Russia’s military and subsea intelligence capabilities?

  • What role do electronics exports and Common High Priority goods play?


Part III – Other:

  • What’s the UK’s plan on tightening the Oil Price Cap and what does it mean for trade compliance?


"Sanctions are not just punitive—they are preventive. Compliance today is national security tomorrow." — Arne Mielken, Managing Director, Customs Manager Ltd

Abbreviations Used In This Blog:

  • OFSI: Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (UK)

  • OFAC: Office of Foreign Assets Control (USA)

  • GUGI: Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research (Russia)

  • CHP List: Common High Priority List (UK export controls)

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Official Sources & Downloads


PART I: NEW LISTINGS


Who are the key individuals and entities newly listed by the UK?

The UK sanctioned 30 new targets across critical Russian sectors. Among them: Orion Star Group LLC and Valegro LLC-FZ, key enablers of Russia’s "shadow fleet." Their inclusion in the latest OFSI list reflects the UK’s commitment to not only restrict trade directly but to cut off the networks enabling such trade.


What is the significance of the 20 shadow fleet oil tankers targeted?

These tankers are critical to sustaining Russian oil exports beyond the sanctions perimeter. By sanctioning 20 vessels, the UK aims to disrupt illicit global trading routes and penalise flags of convenience and insurance brokers that turn a blind eye.


What UK-based individuals have been sanctioned and why?

Vladimir Pristoupa and Olech Tkacz, both UK residents, were sanctioned for their role in channelling over $120 million in electronics to Russia. These are not marginal figures. Their actions have facilitated warfighting capabilities by exporting dual-use technologies on the CHP List, including high-end microchips and navigation systems. Their listing sends a clear message: residency in the UK is no shield.


PART II: NEW TRADE MEASURES


How does the UK target Russia’s military and subsea intelligence capabilities?

The UK has sanctioned GUGI, Russia's underwater intelligence directorate. This body is linked to maritime sabotage and surveillance, including subsea cable interference. Compliance teams in the telecom, subsea infrastructure, and maritime industries must urgently screen all contracts and equipment servicing Russian subsea ventures.


What role do electronics exports and Common High Priority goods play?

The CHP list contains items with a high risk of diversion to military end-use. The UK’s export control regime is actively enforcing these restrictions and sanctioning not just exporters, but logistics firms and customs brokers who turn a blind eye. The implication? If your business handles any semiconductors, sensors, or advanced navigation systems, proactive due diligence is no longer optional.


PART III: OTHER


What’s the UK’s plan on tightening the Oil Price Cap and what does it mean for trade compliance?

The UK intends to move jointly with G7 partners to revise and enforce the Oil Price Cap, making it harder for Russia to circumvent sanctions through underpriced deals with sympathetic nations. For compliance officers, this means new attestation requirements, enhanced vessel tracking, and real scrutiny of price declarations. Expect cross-border investigations, especially into trade finance and re-exported oil.


Arne’s Takeaway

Sanctions compliance is not a checkbox. The latest UK sanctions package ramps up the pressure on compliance teams to understand the end-to-end exposure of their business to Russian financial flows and military supply chains. If you haven’t reviewed your screening protocols, do it now.


Expert Recommendations

  • Immediately update your sanctions screening tools with the new UK listings.

  • Conduct a supply chain audit focusing on electronics, oil trade, and logistics.

  • Prepare for stricter Oil Price Cap enforcement and possible dual-use export controls coordination with the EU and US.

  • Train your teams on spotting indirect links to shadow fleet operations.


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Disclaimer

This blog is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For tailored guidance, please consult a qualified legal professional.





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