UK Unveils Largest Sanctions Package Against Russia Since 2022 Invasion

UK Imposes Sweeping New Sanctions on Russia

The United Kingdom announced its largest package of sanctions against the Russian Federation since the early months of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The new measures, totaling nearly 300 sanctions, were unveiled on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion. The sanctions are designed to significantly disrupt Russia's energy revenues, military supply chains, and financial operations.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper affirmed the UK's resolve, stating, 'The UK has today taken decisive action to disrupt the critical financing, military equipment and revenue streams that sustain Russia's aggression, in our largest raft of measures since the early months of the invasion.'

Targeting Russia's Energy Lifeline

A primary focus of the new sanctions is Russia's lucrative energy sector, particularly its oil exports. Key targets include:

• PJSC Transneft: One of the world's largest oil pipeline companies, responsible for transporting over 80% of Russian oil exports, has been sanctioned to further impede Moscow's energy revenues.
• The '2Rivers' oil network: 175 companies within this network have been sanctioned. British authorities describe it as one of the largest 'shadow fleet' operators globally and a major trader of Russian crude oil.
• Shadow Fleet Vessels: An additional 48 oil tankers involved in transporting Russian oil while circumventing existing restrictions have been identified and sanctioned.
• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Sector: Six targets within Russia's LNG industry, including vessels, traders, and the Portovaya and Vysotsk terminals responsible for LNG exports, have been hit.

These actions aim to further reduce Russia's oil revenues, which are reportedly at their lowest since 2020.

Disrupting Military Supply Chains and Financial Operations

Beyond energy, the sanctions also target entities and individuals crucial to Russia's war efforts:

• Military Suppliers: 49 entities and individuals involved in sustaining Russia's war machine have been sanctioned. This includes international suppliers providing critical goods, components, and technology for Russian drones and other weapons.
• Financial Institutions: Nine Russian banks that facilitate cross-border payments vital for maintaining access to international markets and financing military actions are now under sanctions. These include Post Bank, Tochka Bank, Transcapitalbank, Absolut Bank, Bank Sinara, Bank Avers, Lanta Bank, Ak Bars Bank, and Fora Bank.
• Nuclear Energy Sector: Three civil nuclear energy companies and two individuals involved in securing contracts for new Russian nuclear installations overseas have also been targeted.

The UK government asserts that international sanctions have collectively deprived Russia of over $450 billion, equivalent to two years of funding for its war.

Broader Context and Continued Support for Ukraine

The latest package brings the total number of individuals, companies, and ships sanctioned by the UK under its Russia regime to more than 3,000. In addition to the sanctions, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announced £30 million in new funding to strengthen Ukraine's energy resilience and support its recovery. This commitment underscores the UK's ongoing support for Ukraine in the face of continued aggression.