The British government has sanctioned 46 individuals and entities for conducting business that supports the Russian military.

This included businesses operating in Belarus, China, Serbia, Turkey, the UAE and Uzbekistan.

Among the sanctioned companies are 4 operators of so-called ‘shadow fleet’ vessels accused of “used by Russia to soften the blow of oil-related sanctions imposed by the UK alongside G7 partners.”  

The sanctioned companies are 4 UAE-based entities accused of helping Russian companies avoid oil sanctions.

“4 UAE-based entities using opaque corporate structures and deceptive shipping practices to facilitate unfettered trade in Russian oil,” the British government said.

Britain said sanctions on international supply chains have resulted in a 98% reduction of Russian imports of battlefield technology from sanctioning countries.

As UK´s prime minister said to Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a call two weeks ago, “the UK’s support for our Ukrainian allies is steadfast.”

The government is now creating a new unit to “clamp down” on companies evading sanctions.

The Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) said Monday will be responsible for the civil enforcement of trade sanctions, investigating potential breaches, issuing penalties and referring cases for criminal enforcement.

OTSI will launch in early 2024 once the new legal requirements are in place.

The news comes as the UK is expected to announce fresh sanctions targeting the latest items Ukraine has found on the battlefield such as machine parts and electronics, as well as products that raise revenue to fund Putin’s war machine.

The UK and its international partners claim that have implemented the most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on a major economy, with an unprecedented £20 billion of UK-Russia goods trade now sanctioned.

“We are leaving no stone unturned in our commitment to stopping Putin’s war machine. That means clamping down on sanctions evaders and starving Russia of the technologies and revenues it needs to continue its illegal invasion,” OTSI said.