LONDON — The United Kingdom announced a new package of 31 Russia-related sanctions measures on October 1, targeting vessels linked to Russian liquefied natural gas activity, disinformation networks and people accused by the UK government of involvement in abuses against Ukrainian civilians and children.
The package consists of 23 individuals and entities and eight ships, according to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
Energy and the shadow fleet
The British government said the measures target vessels connected to a developing Russian LNG “shadow fleet” intended to sustain energy revenues while reducing the impact of sanctions.
The eight vessels include three described by the UK as shadow-fleet vessels, two vessels providing bunkering services and three Russian-owned ice-class vessels.
The UK said the shipping restrictions are intended to increase pressure on an energy sector that remains important to Russian state revenue.
Sanctions linked to abuses in occupied Ukraine
Eight people were sanctioned over alleged involvement in arbitrary detention, torture or ill-treatment of Ukrainian civilians, according to the British government.
A further seven individuals were targeted over their alleged role in the indoctrination and militarization of Ukrainian children, including children deported by Russian authorities.
The UK government said Ukrainian children living under Russian occupation have been exposed to programs that include ideological instruction and, in some cases, weapons and drone-related training.
Disinformation networks
The package also targets individuals linked by the UK government to pro-Kremlin disinformation activity. British officials said Russian state-linked networks continue to use online influence operations to shape political narratives and legitimize Russian actions in occupied territories.
Legal effect
The 23 designated individuals and entities are subject to measures including asset freezes and trust-services sanctions, while designated individuals also face travel restrictions. The eight ships are subject to shipping and trade sanctions.
As with all sanctions designations, the allegations and legal consequences should be read in the context of the formal UK sanctions decisions and applicable British law.