UK to announce new sanctions against Russia targeting LNG tankers and nuclear fuel deal for Ukraine

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce new energy sanctions against Russia and a fuel supply agreement for Ukrainian nuclear power plants during the G7 summit on Tuesday. The latest sanctions package will target Russia's so-called 'shadow fleet,' following the first interception of a sanctioned oil tanker by British forces over the weekend, as well as financial networks used to evade sanctions and supply the Russian military.

The package includes embargoes on a number of vessels transporting Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), which are already under sanctions. According to a British government statement, these measures will increase the total number of shadow fleet and Russian LNG vessels sanctioned by the UK to over 600. The new steps are also expected to expose and target a state-linked network involved in secretly acquiring Western technologies for the Russian armed forces, and to bring to light suppliers from third countries helping Russia illegally move funds globally.

In addition, Starmer welcomed a separate agreement under which UK Export Finance will provide £210 million to enable British company Urenco to supply enriched uranium to Ukraine's nuclear energy producer Energoatom. The deal was finalized during Starmer's recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Starmer stated: 'Russia's aggression threatens not only Ukraine but the security of all Europe. That is why the UK is stepping up its actions—cutting off the revenues that fuel Putin's war and securing Ukraine's energy for future winters.' The announcements come as the G7 summit begins, with its first session focused on strengthening peace and security for Ukraine and Europe. Officials say Starmer will urge fellow leaders to collectively intensify efforts to ensure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.