UK announces new sanctions targeting Russia's access to foreign military equipment

UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has announced 22 new sanctions on individuals and businesses outside Russia supporting Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine, as well as 3 Russian companies importing electronics vital to Russia's military equipment used on the battlefield.

The UK government said this in a press release, Ukrinform reports.

"Today's landmark sanctions will further diminish Russia's arsenal and close the net on supply chains propping up Putin's now struggling defense industry. There is nowhere for those sustaining Russia's military machine to hide. Alongside our G7 partners, the UK has repeatedly called on third parties to immediately cease providing material support to Russia's aggression or face severe costs," Cleverly said.

According to the press release, among those sanctioned are two Turkey-based businesses, Turkik Union and Azu International, for their role in exporting microelectronics to Russia that are essential for Russia's military activity in Ukraine.

Dubai-based Aeromotus Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Trading LLC was sanctioned for its role in supplying drones and drone components to Russia.

In addition, the UK government sanctioned Slovakian national Ashot Mkrtychev for his involvement in an attempted arms deal between the DPRK and Russia and Swiss national Anselm Oskar Schmucki for his role in Russia's financial services sector, including through working as Chief of the Moscow office of DuLac Capital Ltd.

"We are also taking further action to tackle Iran and Belarus' support for Russia's military," the statement said.

Today's sanctions include Iranian individuals and entities involved in the research, development and production of UAVs for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as well as Belarusian defense organizations linked to the manufacturing of military technology for the Belarusian regime, which has directly facilitated Putin's illegal war.

On July 17, the British government announced 14 new sanctions in response to Russia's attempts to destroy Ukrainian national identity, including 11 against those involved in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children.