UK sanctions six Russian banks, tankers and rare metals firms over Ukraine

London,UPDATED: Aug 6, 2026 20:00 IST

The UK has announced a fresh round of sanctions on Russia, targeting banks, shadow fleet ships and companies linked to the supply of rare metals, as part of its support for Ukraine in the ongoing war. The British government said the latest measures are aimed at disrupting the networks and revenue streams that support Russia's war effort.

The sanctions package covers 19 targets, including six Russian banks, six newly acquired shadow fleet tankers and four Russian companies importing tantalum and niobium, which the UK described as rare metals critical for producing military equipment used on the battlefield in Ukraine.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said the six banks were being sanctioned for allegedly helping sustain Russia's war economy. It said the six shadow fleet tankers were "responsible for dodging Western sanctions". The four Russian companies were targeted for importing tantalum and niobium.

"Today's new sanctions demonstrate the UK's unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine and bearing down on those propping up the Kremlin's aggression," Miliband said.

"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," he said.

The package targets individuals and businesses that the UK said were "enabling Russia's war in Ukraine". According to the British government, the move is intended to restrict the networks and income sources on which President Vladimir Putin's regime relies.

"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," Healey said.

"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," he said.

The British government also pointed to its wider support for Kyiv. It said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was hosted in the UK last week, soon after the new government took charge at 10 Downing Street on July 20, when support for cutting-edge drone capabilities to strengthen Ukraine's frontline defences was announced.

The new sanctions were announced after Miliband's visit to Washington DC this week for talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said their discussions focused on maintaining pressure on Russia and underlined that Ukraine's security is inseparable from European and transatlantic security.

The UK said it has imposed sanctions on more than 500 individuals, entities and ships under its Russia sanctions regime this year alone. It added that more than 3,400 individuals, entities and ships have been sanctioned overall, saying the latest action underlines that Britain will continue to pressure Russia while supporting Ukraine.

In sum, the latest UK sanctions package targets Russian banks, shadow fleet tankers and companies linked to military supply chains, while the government says it will keep up pressure on Russia and maintain support for Ukraine.

With PTI Inputs

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