Sanctions against Russia
35 Commons Library Research Briefing, 22 March 2023
On 8 February 2023, Sergey Rudnov, the owner of the pro-Kremlin news outlet,
Regnum, was also sanctioned.
The Russia (Sanctions) (EU exit) (Amendment) (No.9) Regulations, which
came into force on 29 April 2022, also introduce requirements on all social
media services, including video sharing platforms, to take "reasonable steps"
to prevent content being disseminated on that service by a person subject to
sanctions (a designated person). Internet access services, including
broadband providers, and app stores must also take reasonable steps to
prevent users in the UK from accessing websites and downloading or
accessing applications provided by a designated person.
The regulations also confer powers on Ofcom to impose monetary penalties
on any person who fails to comply. Non-compliance is also a criminal
offence.
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Targeting the facilitators of Russian actions in Ukraine
The UK has continued to target strategic industries that are directly
supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine, primarily in the defence and
transport sectors.
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On 24 March 2022 the Government also sanctioned, for the first time, an
individual directly collaborating with Russian forces currently in Ukraine.
Galina Danilchenko who was installed by Russia as the Mayor of Melitopol
after the elected Mayor was allegedly kidnapped by Russian forces, is now
subject to an asset freeze and travel ban.
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The Wagner Group, a Russia-based unincorporated private military entity,
which has reportedly deployed to eastern Ukraine, is also now subject to
sanctions. The Group had already been sanctioned by the EU in December
2021 for its activities in Africa.
On 21 April 2022 the Government sanctioned Ilya Kiva, an expelled Ukrainian
MP who has openly supported the Russian invasion, along with several
defence companies who have facilitated Russian military action.
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On 16 June the Government announced that Russia's Children's Rights
Commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova would also be sanctioned for her alleged
role in the forced transfer of Ukrainian children from the Luhansk and Donetsk
regions and for facilitating their forced adoption in Russia.
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Explanatory memorandum to Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) (No.9) Regulations 2022,
para. 7.6
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The latest sanctions package announced on 8 February 2023 targets several companies providing
support to Russia's military.
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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Press release, 24 March 2022
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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Press release, 21 April 2022
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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Press release, 16 June 2022 and HM Treasury,
Financial Sanctions Notice, 16 June 2022
