On May 20, 2025, the United Kingdom announced the introduction of new extensive sanctions against the Russian Federation. These measures, targeting 100 entities in the military, energy, and financial sectors, as well as those involved in the information war, aim to increase pressure on the Kremlin.
The British government’s statement reads: “While President Putin relentlessly attacks innocent Ukrainians, the United Kingdom responds by imposing new sanctions.” The country is also working with international partners to strengthen restrictions on oil prices, aiming to reduce Russia’s revenue from energy sales, which are essential for financing its military actions.
Among the new sanctions targets are organizations supporting the Russian military machine, as well as financial institutions that facilitate aggression against Ukraine. In particular, the sanctions focus on the supply chains of Russian weapons systems, such as the Iskander missiles, with the goal of protecting Ukrainian lives and reducing Russia’s military capability.
The sanctions list also includes 14 members of the Social Design Agency (SDA), which is funded by the Kremlin and conducts information operations that undermine sovereignty and democracy in Ukraine and beyond. The UK had previously imposed sanctions on the SDA leadership, and now the restrictions extend to the entire organization.
The new measures also aim to prevent Putin’s attempts to circumvent sanctions and restore ties with the international economy. Forty-six financial institutions, including the Saint Petersburg Currency Exchange and the Russian Deposit Insurance Agency, which support Russian banks, have been targeted.
The release emphasizes that these sanctions further isolate the Russian economy and disrupt the country’s revenue streams. The UK is also imposing restrictions on 18 vessels of the “shadow fleet” involved in transporting Russian oil, as well as on equipment for this fleet. Earlier, the Prime Minister announced 110 sanctions related to this fleet ahead of his visit to Kyiv.
Among the new targets is British citizen John Michael Ormerod, who purchased ships for the Russian shadow fleet, as well as two Russian tanker captains. The UK continues to collaborate with international partners to tighten oil price caps, limiting Russia’s export revenues.
The British government also plans to review the crude oil price cap, currently set at 60 US dollars, with the aim of lowering the limit closer to production costs to deal the greatest possible blow to Putin’s oil revenues.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized that Putin’s actions once again reveal his true nature as a warmonger. He called for an immediate unconditional ceasefire and the start of negotiations for a just and lasting peace.
Lammy also stressed that delaying peace efforts will only strengthen the UK’s resolve to support Ukraine in its defense and to use sanctions to restrain Putin’s military machine.
Additionally, on the same day, the Council of the European Union approved the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, further intensifying international pressure on the aggressor country.
