UK announces 31 new Russia sanctions targeting LNG shadow fleet, propagandists and torturers

The UK has announced a package of 31 new sanctions measures against Russia designed to stem funding for Vladimir Putin’s war chest, disrupt Kremlin disinformation networks, and go after those responsible for torturing Ukrainian civilians and deporting Ukrainian children.

The package targets LNG shadow fleet vessels, Kremlin disinformation networks, and perpetrators of civilian torture and child indoctrination, following sham elections in the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine earlier this month, the Foreign Office said (GOV.UK).

Eight people are sanctioned over the arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian civilians. A further seven individuals are targeted for their role in the indoctrination and militarisation of Ukrainian children, including those deported by the Russian authorities; an estimated 6,000 children have been forcibly relocated to “re-education” camps, where programmes include training in weapons handling and drone operation.

The package also hits several vessels acquired to support Russia’s new “shadow fleet” for gas exports, some of which entered service as recently as July. It comes as Russia fired over 3,100 jet-powered drones into Ukraine in September, outstripping its wartime record from August.

“We are targeting both the revenues that help sustain Russia’s aggression and perpetrators of horrendous crimes against Ukrainian civilians, including children,” said Minister for Europe Lord Wood of Anfield.