Britain intensifies pressure on Vladimir Putin with sweeping new sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow oil fleet, military operations and UK-based suppliers, as G7 allies rally behind Ukraine at Canada summit.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled a sweeping set of new sanctions aimed at squeezing Vladimir Putin’s war machinery, drawing strong support from G7 allies in Canada. These measures, targeting Russia’s energy lifelines and military assets, come amid renewed Russian aggression against Ukraine—underscoring the UK’s commitment to pressuring Moscow.
At the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Starmer announced 30 new UK sanctions focused on Russia’s strategic sectors: finance, defence, and energy. Nearly two-thirds of the sanctions address Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”—aging oil tankers used to bypass Western trade restrictions. Twenty such vessels, along with their operators — Orion Star Group LLC and Valegro LLC‑FZ — are now blacklisted, reflecting efforts to choke off illicit oil revenues that fuel Putin’s campaign. Additionally, the UK has imposed sanctions on the GUGI, Russia’s underwater military intelligence unit, enhancing protection for subsea infrastructure—a key national security priority.
In a particularly striking move, the UK also targeted two UK‑based individuals, Vladimir Pristoupa and Olech Tkacz. Accused of funneling over $120 million in high‑tech electronics—many on the Common High Priority Goods list—to Russia, these sanctions demonstrate that even domestic collaborators aiding the Kremlin are being brought to heel.
The UK has sanctioned 30 new Russian targets, including oil tankers, military agencies and UK residents accused of supplying high-tech components to Moscow’s war effort.
“These sanctions strike right at the heart of Putin’s war machine,” Starmer said, “choking off his ability to continue his barbaric war in Ukraine.” He warned that as long as Putin remains unwilling to pursue peace, the UK will not hesitate to “keep tightening the screws.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy added, “With his continued attacks and needless bloodshed, it is clear that Putin has no interest in peace. Today’s sanctions show we will dismantle his shadow fleet, starve his war machine, and support Ukraine to defend itself.”
These sanctions follow further Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv in recent days, which have escalated tensions and strengthened the resolve of Western nations to unite behind Ukraine. The UK’s move aligns with an EU proposal to lower the G7 oil price cap from $60 to as low as $45 per barrel—steps meant to starve the Kremlin of vital revenue, even if Washington remains cautious.
Economic strain on Moscow
Analysts from the Center for Strategic and International Studies have documented signs of stress within Russia’s economy—sluggish industrial output, labour shortages, stalled manufacturing, and threats to its war apparatus. Falling oil revenues, compounded by sanctions, could drive a deeper downturn if enforcement is strengthened.
“The oil price cap is currently meaningless,” noted one expert, explaining that a global oil price drop to around $60 has undermined its effectiveness. Loopholes—such as the shadow fleet—permit Moscow to skirt sanctions, prompting the UK and others to ramp up measures.
Allies rally—US hesitation
Most G7 nations, including the UK, EU, and Canada, are prepared to move ahead with toughened oil caps—even if the US stands aside. President Trump’s absence from a meeting with Zelenskyy—and lukewarm support for sanctions—cast doubt on Washington’s full commitment.
Nevertheless, the UK is not waiting. It will continue to “tighten the net” on ship operators and oil revenues while working with allies to prevent Moscow from finding loopholes. Starmer says this will proceed alongside efforts to ensure global energy markets remain stable.
Why it matters
Oil exports continue to finance Russia’s military operations. Before the war, oil and gas were Moscow’s economic mainstay. Despite sanctions, Russia has maintained revenue by pivoting to Asia and exploiting grey‑market fleets. British sanctions on shadow tankers and high‑tech suppliers aim to close these loopholes.
Tighter enforcement matters—it turns abstract pressure into concrete action that chips away at Russia’s financial lifeblood. With allies on board, the UK hopes to force Putin into a realistic peace posture.
In sum, the UK’s latest sanctions mark a calculated escalation in economic warfare against Russia—tightening controls on oil shipping, underwater spying, and high-tech supplies—as G7 partners coalesce under growing pressure.
