Sanctions: Russia

In a statement to the House of Commons, a minister outlined the UK government's continued commitment to supporting Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia. The minister explained that the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2024, which were laid before Parliament on July 30th, aim to strengthen the UK's ability to respond to Russia's attempts to undermine sanctions. The minister highlighted the UK's recent contributions to NATO's assistance package for Ukraine, which will provide vital support for counter-drone technology, de-mining, and medical rehabilitation of injured Ukrainian personnel. Additionally, the UK has facilitated new orders for ammunition worth £300 million through the international fund for Ukraine, which is administered by the UK. Sanctions, the minister stated, are a crucial tool in weakening Russia's ability to attack Ukraine. In July, the UK hosted the European Political Community at Blenheim Palace, where more than 40 countries signed a call to action to tackle Russia's "shadow fleet" of ageing oil tankers that use deceptive shipping practices and substandard insurance to attempt to undermine sanctions on Russian oil. The UK spearheaded action against this shadow fleet by sanctioning 11 oil tankers, demonstrating the UK's steadfast commitment to Ukraine and its leading role in eroding Russian oil revenues. The minister emphasized that the targeted sanctions against oil tankers have had a material and immediate impact, leaving the sanctioned tankers idling and unable to load new cargoes. The instrument being debated, the minister stated, provides the basis for these sanctions and has enhanced the UK's ability to respond to Russia's increasingly desperate and reckless attempts to undermine the sanctions imposed by the UK and its partners.