In a significant move to constrain Russia’s war machine, the UK has imposed new sanctions targeting high-profile figures within the Russian Government and supporters of Russian state-owned businesses. This latest crackdown on the Kremlin aims to bolster UK national security and deliver on the Plan for Change.
The sanctions, announced nearly a year after the death of Alexei Navalny, target individuals with links to Putin’s inner circle. Among those sanctioned are Pavel Fradkov, a Russian Defence Minister, Vladimir Selin, head of an arm of the Russian Ministry of Defence, and Artem Chaika, whose extractives company supports Russian state-owned business. All three are also on the Navalny 50 anti-corruption list.
Additionally, the UK has sanctioned two entities linked to Russia’s nuclear energy giant Rosatom, which are supporting Russia’s military activities on the battlefield in Ukraine. These measures come as Foreign Secretary David Lammy attends the Munich Security Conference, where he will meet Yulia Navalnaya and reflect on Navalny’s enduring legacy.
Lammy emphasized the importance of international collaboration, 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.”
The UK continues to stand with civil society and human rights defenders working tirelessly to build a better future for Russia despite immense personal risk. The Foreign Secretary will also urge partners to act against illicit people-smuggling gangs driving irregular migration.
The sanctions package includes asset freezes, trust services sanctions, and travel bans for the targeted individuals and entities. The UK government remains committed to weakening Putin’s attempts to stifle political opposition and crack down on the Kremlin’s corrupt dealings globally.
Lammy’s visit to Kyiv last week reinforced the UK’s 100 Year Partnership with Ukraine, and he will advocate for continued support from Ukraine’s partners at the Munich conference. The UK-US relationship remains a cornerstone of security and prosperity for millions on both sides of the Atlantic, with discussions on closer cooperation to boost both economies and enhance safety.
The Foreign Secretary will also address the situation in the Middle East, urging for lasting peace as ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon hold. On Syria, the UK recently announced £3m for deliveries of Ukrainian grain and other food produce as part of the 100-year partnership, pushing for a peaceful future centered around the interests of the Syrian people.
Today’s sanctions target four individuals and two entities, including:
- Vladimir Viktorovich Selin, Head of the Federal Service for Technical and Export Control (FSTEK).
- Pavel Mikhailovich Fradkov, Deputy Minister of the Russian Ministry of Defence.
- Artem Yuryevich Chaika, owner of First Non-Metallic Company Ural (PNK-Ural) and son of Yuri Yakovlevich Chaika, a member of Russia’s Security Council.
- Joint Stock Company Kirov Energomash Plant and Limited Liability Company Rosatom Additive Technologies, subsidiaries of Russia’s state-owned civil nuclear energy company Rosatom.
The Navalny list, created by the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), continues to play a crucial role in targeting corruption within the Russian regime.