UK Sanctions Target Russian Oil Vessels and Insurers

The UK has announced its largest sanctions package yet against Russia's 'shadow fleet', targeting 30 vessels involved in circumventing Western restrictions on Russian oil. This move, which brings the total number of sanctioned oil tankers to 73, is aimed at crippling Russia's capacity to fund its ongoing war in Ukraine. Alongside the vessels, the UK has also blacklisted two Russian insurers, AlfaStrakhovanie and VSK, which are key players in the Russian financial services sector. Foreign Minister David Lammy has called on G7 allies to maintain their support for Ukraine through 2025, emphasizing the need for continued funding and military support. Lammy criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the absence of any diplomatic negotiations to resolve the conflict. The sanctions have been designed to disrupt a fleet responsible for transporting oil products worth billions of pounds over the past year.