UK announces new sanctions to mark 2nd anniversary of Russia's war on Ukraine

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Britain's foreign secretary on Thursday announced dozens of new sanctions targeting Russia as the war in Ukraine is about to enter its third year.

More than 50 new sanctions aim to target individuals and businesses sustaining Russia's war in Ukraine, the Foreign Office said in a statement.

New targets include munitions manufacturers, electronics companies, and diamond and oil traders as this Saturday marks two years since Russia launched its war on Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.

"Our international economic pressure means Russia cannot afford this illegal invasion. Our sanctions are starving Putin of the resources he desperately needs to fund his struggling war," Foreign Secretary David Cameron said in the statement.

"We will continue to support Ukraine as it fights for democracy - for as long as it takes," he added.

The statement noted that today's package will disrupt Russia's ability to equip its now "struggling military with high tech equipment and much needed weaponry."

Those sanctioned by the UK include companies linked to manufacturing munitions, key Russian importers and manufacturers of machine tools, two Russian diamond companies, and five senior executives or owners of Russia’s top producers of copper, zinc, and steel.

This month marks two years since Russia launched its full-scale armed attack on Ukraine, and also 10 years since it illegally annexed Ukraine's Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, said the UN human rights office.

The UK has sanctioned 2,000 individuals, companies, and groups under the Russia sanctions regime alone.