In a decisive move to tighten the noose around Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest associates, the United Kingdom has unveiled a fresh wave of sanctions targeting key figures within the Russian government and entities supporting its military endeavors. This action underscores Britain’s unwavering commitment to countering Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and upholding European sovereignty.
Among the individuals sanctioned are Pavel Fradkov, a Deputy Minister of Defense, and Vladimir Selin, head of the Federal Service for Technical and Export Control (FSTEK). These officials play pivotal roles in Russia’s defense infrastructure. Additionally, Artem Chaika, owner of the extractives company PNK-Ural and son of Security Council member Yuri Chaika, has been sanctioned due to his company’s support of Russian state-owned enterprises.
The sanctions extend to two subsidiaries of Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy giant, Rosatom: Joint Stock Company Kirov Energomash Plant and Limited Liability Company Rosatom Additive Technologies. Both entities are implicated in bolstering Russia’s military capabilities on the battlefield in Ukraine.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the UK’s resolve, stating, “I am announcing further sanctions to keep up the pressure on Putin. Ukrainians are fighting for their country’s future and the principle of sovereignty across Europe at the frontline.”
This announcement coincides with the Foreign Secretary’s participation in the Munich Security Conference, where he is slated to meet Yulia Navalnaya, widow of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The meeting aims to honor Navalny’s legacy and reaffirm the UK’s support for Russian civil society and human rights defenders.
The Russian embassy in London has yet to issue a response to these developments.
