UK expands sanctions on Russia and west bank settler violence
Date of Publication: May 27, 2025
In a major escalation of its foreign policy tools, the UK Government has announced a dual-package sanctions update targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex and sanctions evasion networks, as well as Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
These measures reflect a broadened approach by the UK to protect global peace, uphold human rights, and respond to violations of international law through firm economic and diplomatic action.
Package 1: UK imposes 100 new sanctions on Russian military, financial and energy networks
The UK designated 100 new individuals, entities, and vessels under its Russia sanctions regime. This move follows the
largest drone attack of the war
, with 273 drones fired at Ukrainian cities and the continued absence of a ceasefire by President Putin.Key areas of focus in this sanctions package include:
Military Supply Chains
Entities involved in the production and deployment of
Iskander missiles
-used in strikes like the Sumy attack on 13th April-have been sanctioned to hinder Russia’s ability to target civilians and weaken its military logistics.Disinformation Networks
Fourteen additional members of
the Social Design Agency (SDA)
were sanctioned, completing the designation of all operational levels of this Kremlin-backed information warfare unit.Financial Institutions
Sanctions were extended to
46 financial institutions
, including the St Petersburg Currency Exchange
and the Russian Deposit Insurance Agency (which insures Russian banks)
, isolating Russian economy and disrupting Russia’s revenue streams.Shadow Fleet Vessels
The UK sanctioned
18 shadow fleet vessels
and key enablers, including a British national John Michael Ormerod
and two Russian captains of shadow fleet tankers, involved in transporting sanctioned Russian oil.Package 2: UK targets Israeli settler violence in the west bank and suspends trade talks
In a parallel announcement, the UK also sanctioned
seven new targets
linked to violent settler activity
in the occupied West Bank
, marking a firm stance against the deterioration of security and humanitarian conditions in the region.This sanctions package contains the following key measures:
- Three individuals, two illegal settler outposts and two organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank have been designated.
- These individuals and entities are now subject to measures including financial restrictions, travel bans, and director disqualifications, and will follow 18 other individuals, entities, and companies already sanctioned relating to serious violence against communities in the West Bank.
- The UK also announceda formal pause in free trade agreement (FTA) negotiationswith Israel.
Conclusion
By targeting both Russia’s war machinery and Israel’s settler violence infrastructure, the UK reaffirms its commitment to upholding international law, protecting civilian populations, and promoting global security and democratic values.
Businesses must review their exposure to all newly designated individuals, entities and vessels as failure to act on these updates may result in regulatory action, reputational damage, and legal penalties under UK sanctions law.
These changes have been updated in ONESOURCE Global Trade Content.
For more information on how ONESOURCE Global Trade solutions can assist you in managing restricted party screening, please contact your Account Manager or Customer Success Manager.