The United Kingdom has sanctioned a Nigerian company accused of helping facilitate a financial network allegedly used by Russia to sidestep international sanctions imposed over its war in Ukraine.
The action forms part of a fresh sanctions package unveiled by the UK government on Tuesday, targeting 70 individuals, companies and vessels linked to Russia’s military supply chains, illicit financial operations and the so-called “shadow fleet” used to move oil outside Western restrictions.
According to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the measures are aimed at disrupting the channels Russia relies on to fund its military campaign and acquire critical resources.
The British government said the latest sanctions focus on three companies and 10 officers linked to Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, who are suspected of sourcing technology and equipment needed to sustain Moscow’s war efforts.
The sanctions also extend to companies in several countries accused of supplying military-related equipment to Russia.
“Sanctions also hit third-country suppliers of critical military equipment to Russia in China, Thailand and Türkiye,” the statement said.
It added that several organisations allegedly helping Russia move money and evade Western sanctions have also been targeted, including a Nigerian entity said to be supporting the A7 sanctions-evasion network.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the measures are designed to cut off the resources helping Russia maintain its war machine.
“These sanctions target the vessels, the money and the actors propping up Russia’s war economy and, in turn, threatening European security,” Starmer said.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper noted that Russia has increasingly turned to covert financial systems and ageing oil tankers to keep its economy afloat amid mounting international pressure.
“As the Kremlin resorts to ever more shady tactics to sustain its war, from its ageing shadow fleet to covert finance networks, the UK remains one step ahead in shutting them down,” she said.
The UK government said it has imposed sanctions on nearly 500 individuals, companies and vessels under its Russia sanctions regime in 2026 alone.
