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**Headline: UK Tightens Sanctions on Russia’s “Shadow Fleet” Amid G7 Summit, Citing Impact on War Machine**

**London -** The United Kingdom escalated its economic pressure on Russia on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, imposing new sanctions targeting its so-called “shadow fleet” of vessels used to circumvent restrictions on oil sales. The move, announced during the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Canada, includes bans on 20 additional ships and blacklisting of 10 individuals and entities involved in energy and shipping.

According to security analysts, this aging fleet allows Russia to bypass existing international sanctions imposed following President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Hundreds of vessels have already been sanctioned by the EU and the UK.

The latest additions to the UK’s asset freeze list include the Orion Star group and Rosneft Marine (U.K.), companies deemed critical to Russia’s energy sector, as well as a deep-sea research unit at the Russian defense ministry. Two UK residents, Vladimir Pristoupa and Olech Tkacz, were also sanctioned for allegedly operating a shell company network funneling over $120 million in high-tech electronics to Russia.

“These sanctions strike right at the heart of Mr. Putin’s war machine, choking off his ability to continue his barbaric war in Ukraine,” stated Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Downing Street claims sanctions have deprived Russia of at least $450 billion and are slowing the country’s economy.

Starmer hopes to strengthen sanctions with G7 partners and urge Putin to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s efforts to press U.S. President Donald Trump for further action were curtailed by Trump’s early departure from the summit due to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.

Foreign Minister David Lammy emphasized the UK’s commitment to dismantling Russia’s “dangerous shadow fleet,” starving its war machine, and supporting Ukraine’s defense. The UK has now sanctioned over 2,300 individuals, entities, and ships since the start of the Ukraine invasion.

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