On Friday, the British government imposed sanctions on Putin’s closest ally.
British sanctions affected the general director of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.
The British Foreign Secretary has announced a new package of sanctions, including a ban on the export of anything Russia has so far been able to use on the battlefield.
On Friday, Secretary of State James Cleverley announced a new package of internationally coordinated sanctions and trade measures covering hundreds of goods, aircraft parts and electronic components that could be used by the Russian military-industrial complex, including for the production of drones.
Military intelligence has shown that a shortage of components in Russia as a result of sanctions may already be affecting its ability to produce equipment for export, such as armored vehicles, attack helicopters and air defense systems. As a result, it is very likely that Russia’s role as an arms exporter and its military-industrial complex will be undermined by international sanctions.
“Today’s actions will further harm them by blowing up Putin’s war machine, which is already forced to buy Soviet-era tanks in exchange for low-quality wood chips,” the UK Treasury Department said in a statement.
“Ukrainians are standing up to Russia, but they cannot do it alone. That is why we must do more to help Ukraine win,” Secretary of State James Cleverly said.
“Today, we are imposing sanctions on the elite that run key sectors of Putin’s business, and we are committed to banning the export to Russia of all items that Russia uses on the battlefield.”
Sanctions have also been imposed on senior executives of Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom, as well as executives of two of Russia’s largest defense companies, four banks and other members of the Russian elite.
Rosatom has close ties to the Russian military-industrial complex through Alexander Novak, who is both a member of the Supervisory Board and a deputy prime minister in Putin’s administration.
The state-owned company is reportedly providing arms makers with technology and supplies to resupply frontline Russia, including for defense firms under sanctions.
Four banks, including MTS, were also sanctioned under today’s package of sanctions. This further isolates Russia from the international financial system.
