Great Britain imposes 31 sanctions on Russia, targeting the “shadow fleet,” propagandists, and torturers

The UK announced a new package of 31 sanctions against Russia on Thursday, aimed at limiting the financing of the war and increasing pressure on Moscow ahead of the winter season. The measures target vessels involved in the “shadow fleet,” Kremlin disinformation networks and individuals accused of violating human rights in Ukraine.

According to the UK Foreign Office, the list includes individuals involved in the arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian civilians. It also targets individuals accused of indoctrinating and militarizing Ukrainian children, including those deported to Russia or to territories under the control of Russian authorities.

Seven individuals were sanctioned for their alleged role in propaganda and child militarization programs. The British government estimates that approximately 6,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly transferred to a network of camps presented as “re-education” centers.

London says that millions more children in territories occupied by Russia are exposed to Kremlin propaganda programs. The new package thus expands British sanctions against the maritime and information infrastructure that authorities say supports Moscow’s war effort.