The Government of the United Kingdom has announced a sweeping new sanctions package aimed at dismantling international commercial networks accused of supporting Russia’s wartime economy, expanding Western efforts to tighten enforcement four years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The measures, unveiled by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Monday, focus on companies and intermediaries operating outside Russia that officials say have facilitated oil trading, shipping logistics, and financial transactions enabling Moscow to mitigate existing sanctions.
British authorities described the package as one of the most significant enforcement actions to date targeting what officials increasingly refer to as the global “sanctions evasion ecosystem.”
UAE-Based Firms Among Those Designated
A central element of the announcement was the designation of multiple firms operating from the United Arab Emirates, particularly within Dubai’s commodities and energy trading sector.
The UK said several entities linked to the Dubai-headquartered energy trading network 2Rivers had been sanctioned for their alleged involvement in facilitating Russian oil transactions through complex intermediary structures.
Companies listed under the new measures include:
•Novus Middle East DMCC
•Apeiron Energy DMCC
•Pontus Trading DMCC
•Vetus Investments Limited
•Matterhorn Group FZE
•Alpen Energy LLC
•Voliton DMCC
•Bellatrix Energy
Officials stated that the designations aim to disrupt commercial channels used to move Russian oil through third-country markets using opaque ownership arrangements and maritime logistics networks.
Growing Focus on Enforcement
Since 2023, Western governments have increasingly shifted from broad sectoral sanctions toward enforcement actions targeting facilitators operating beyond Russian jurisdiction.
UK officials said the latest measures reflect mounting evidence that sanctions circumvention now relies heavily on trading hubs, shipping registries, and free-zone corporate structures across global energy markets.
Analysts say the move aligns London more closely with enforcement priorities pursued by partners in the European Union and the Group of Seven, which have faced persistent challenges limiting Russian oil revenues despite price caps and export restrictions.
International and Policy Reactions
Security and sanctions experts broadly welcomed the announcement, arguing that targeting intermediary networks represents a necessary evolution in sanctions policy.
The Tactics Institute for Security and Counter-Terrorism, a policy research organization focused on hybrid threats and illicit finance, said the measures reflected growing recognition among Western governments of the role played by transnational commercial systems in enabling sanctions evasion.
The Institute, said the decision demonstrated increasing willingness among policymakers to act against enabling infrastructure rather than solely Russian entities.
“Sanctions evasion has developed into a sophisticated transnational system relying on commercial intermediaries and logistics platforms. Targeting these networks is essential if enforcement gaps are to be closed,” they said.
Pressure for Broader Coordination
Policy specialists note that attention is now turning toward deeper cooperation between Western governments and Gulf states to strengthen transparency standards in global trading hubs.
Some analysts have called for expanded scrutiny of logistics and energy infrastructure providers operating across the region, including major port and energy companies such as DP World and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, though no such entities were included in the current UK measures.
UAE authorities have previously emphasized their commitment to international compliance frameworks and cooperation with global partners while maintaining the country’s position as a major neutral commercial and energy hub.
Strategic Context
Russia has increasingly relied on alternative shipping fleets, intermediary traders, and non-Western financial channels to sustain energy exports since sanctions were imposed following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Western officials argue that future sanctions effectiveness will depend less on new restrictions and more on enforcement coordination, financial transparency, and maritime monitoring across global supply chains.
The UK Government indicated that additional listings remain under review as part of ongoing efforts to counter sanctions circumvention linked to Russia’s war economy.
0.1 Entities and individuals involved in supporting the Russian energy sector:
PJSC TRANSNEFT
ROSATOM ENERGY PROJECTS JOINT STOCK COMPANY
REIN ENGINEERING JSC
Andrey Valeryevich ROZHDESTVIN
JSC RUSATOM OVERSEAS
Ilya Aleksandrovich VERGIZAEV
GAZPROM SPG PORTOVAYA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
CRYOGAS VYSOTSK LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
KUNLUN RED STAR ENERGY HOLDINGS LIMITED
KUNLUN RED STAR ENERGY TRADING LIMITED
MARITIME MUTUAL INSURANCE ASSOCIATION (NZ) LTD
MARITIME MUTUAL ASSOCIATION LIMITED
0.2 Entities associated with Tahir GARAYEV, who is or has been involved in owning or controlling, directly or indirectly, or working as a director of CORAL ENERGY GROUP (now 2RIVERS GROUP):
ABEL LOGISTICS LTD
ACCORD COMMERCE FZCO
ACE COMMODITY LIMITED FZE
ADORA ENTERPRISE FZE
ADVAN ALLIANCE FZE
AL-HAWA NETWORKS FZE
ALLEGRO DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
ALPHA TRADE FZE
ALRASO FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS DMCC
AL-TASAMEEM GROUP FZE
ALTURION TRADE LIMITED
AMALGAM MARKET SOLUTIONS
APEXIS ENERGY FZE
ARCADIA INTERNATIONAL FZE
ARCANE MARKET STRATEGIES FZE
ARCTOS SHIPPING AND TRADE DMCC
ARDES INTEGRATED FZE
ARGON ALLIANCE DMCC
ARMUSTON FZE
ARRADA ENERGY FZE
ARTHEMIS SERVICES FZE
ASSURANCE CEYLAN FZE
ASTEYA LIMITED FZE
ASTRA EAST NAVIGATION FZE
ATLANTIC JIU YU NAVIGATION FZE
ATLAS TRADING INTERNATIONAL FZCO
AUGUSTA COMMODITY ENTERPRISE FZE
AURORA BOREALIS HOLDING LIMITED FZE
AXMON HOLDING LIMITED
AZZURIATTA DMCC
BALMO TRADING FZE
BEVON INTEGRATED FZE
BLACKFORD CORPORATION LIMITED
BRAIDWOOD GLOBAL FZE
BRASILLEUM ENERGY TRADING LTDA
BRIGHTPATH TRADE VENTURES
CASTLETON CORPORATION FZE
COLWICH CONTINENTAL FZE
CORE STONE FINANCING LIMITED
C.S.G. TRADING FZE
DAFENG INTERNATIONAL
DECENTRATECH GLOBAL SERVICES FZE
DEFENDEDGE SERVICES FZE
DEX CAPITAL HOLDING LIMITED
DISENTIS TRADING LLC
DOVER COMMODITY LIMITED
EASTWIND FORCE LIMITED
ECOMATRIX OIL AND COMMODITY FZE
EFORI DMCC
ELYSIUM INTEGRATED FZCO
ENERGOPOLE ENP FZCO
EQUITY EDEN GROUP HONG KONG LIMITED
ESTRELLA INTEGRATED FZE
ETHOS DYNAMICS FZE
EVANDER COMMODITY LIMITED
EVICOR CORPORATION LIMITED
EXOTRADE LIMITED
FADAS TRADE FZE
FERRAT NAVIGATION FZE
FLAREX PARTNERS FZE
FOXTON FZCO
FRONTFUEL DMCC
FUEL AND OIL DYNAMICS FZE
FUJIAN VENTURES FZE
FULLERTON INTEGRATED (HK)
FUSIONFLUX ENERGY FZE
GEARMASTERS LIMITED
GLENBROOK CORPORATION LIMITED
GLOBAL FERTILIZERS LIMITED
GLORIA FIELDS FZCO
GLYFEX LIMITED
GRANDALL CONTINENTAL FZE
GURON TRADING LIMITED
HARMONIA INVESTMENT FZE
HELVETIC NAVIGATION FZE
HESTON AGENCY FZE
HINERA TRADING FZCO
HINIMPEX PRIVATE LIMITED
HURUS TRADE FZE
INFINITE VENTURES FZE
JIADAO GLOBAL LIMITED
JINAO CORPORATE FZE
JOINTTRADE FZE
KASHMANI LOGISTICS FZE
KRYPTON HOLDING FZE
LAGO AZUL FZE
LAWSON WISE ENTERPRISE FZE
LEVIAN INDUSTRIES FZE
LIBER LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL FZE
LINGLONG TRADING GROUP FZE
LINXOIL GLOBAL TRADING FZE
LUMIRA CAPITAL LIMITED FZE
LUNA ADRIATIC SERVICES FZE
MARINEX LIMITED
MARION COMMODITY DMCC
MARSOLUT MANAGEMENT DMCC
MERTON ROUTE FZE
METALINK TRADING FZE
MIDPOINT TRADING LIMITED
MMBT ENERGY DMCC
MRIMEX TRANS FZE
NAVRATAN VENTURES FZE
NAWAEM LOGISTICS FZE
NEWTON RESOURCES FZE
NIMBUSTONE FZE
NINANGBO GLOBAL TRADE
NOBEL COMMODITY TRADING
NOOKSPOT SERVICES FZE
OC ENTERPRISE FZE
OILPEAK PRODUCTS FZE
OLTON MIDDLE EAST FZE
OMEGA ENERGY LLC
OMNI MARINE & TRANSPORT
ORBINEX SOLUTIONS FZE
ORYX QA (HK) LIMITED
ORYX QA FZE
OSSYDEY INTEGRATED FZE
OXEL SOLUTIONS FZE
PACIFIC WATERS DMCC
PAN ELEMENTAL GROUP FZE
PERSEVERANCE DMCC
PETROMAX INTERNATIONAL FZCO
PHOENIX SOLUTIONS FZCO
PILADEA DMCC
POLY PRO TRADING DMCC
PONTUS TRADING DMCC
PRIMEALLIANCE TRADE LIMITED FZE
PRIMEGROWTH FZE
PROLINK MANAGEMENT PTE LTD
QUASAR TRADING FZE
RAFFLONLINE FZE
ROCKOIL TRADING LIMITED
ROCKWELL ENERGY FZE
RR ALLIANCE FZE
RUBUS FZE
SARAWI EXPORTS FZE
SAS ALLIANCE FZCO
SCAFFOLLO GLOBE FZE
SELESTA INTERNATIONAL FZCO
SENTURA GLOBAL FZE
SHANGHAI ENERGY RESOURCES CO LTD
SHREEVAANI EXOM FZE
SILVERARC LOGISTICS FZE
SKYION SOLUTIONS FZE
SNS COMMODITIES DMCC
SOCIETE GALATEA FZE
TANZHOULI INTEGRATED FZE
TARS GLOBAL GROUP FZE
TETON GLOBAL TRADING LIMITED
TETRAWATERS FZE
TEZOS FZCO
TIANWEI INTERNATIONAL FZCO
TOTCOR TRADE FZE
TRADESTREAM FZE
ULTIMATE SPIRIT LIMITED
UNITYCOMEX TRADING LIMITED FZE
URBAN PROPERTIES FZE
VALORUP CONTINENTAL FZE
VALTARA VENTURES FZCO
VAULT ENERGY RESOURCES DMCC
VECTOR CHEMICALS DMCC
VENTURIA SHIPPING LIMITED
VENUTA DMCC
VENUTO DMCC
VENUTO FZE
VERTEX ENTERPRISE LIMITED
VIVAVISTA TRADING DMCC
VOLITON DMCC
WANGFU COMMERCE LIMITED
WESTPOINT GLOBAL FZE
WINDSTREAM ENERGIA DMCC
WORLD TRADING CORPORATION LIMITED
ZENITH GLOBAL CORPORATION LIMITED
ZHESHANG RESOURCES FZE
ZION TRADE LIMITED FZE
0.3 Ships involved in transporting Russian oil to third countries:
ADITYA (IMO 9323314)
ALTURA (IMO 9292199)
APATE (IMO 9433016)
AURA 1 (IMO 9472634)
BLUEBELL (IMO 9251810)
BOLU (IMO 9439539)
BREEZ (IMO 9247778)
BRIONT (IMO 9252955)
CAROLINE BEZENGI (IMO 9224439)
CELINE (IMO 9252400)
CHONGCHON (IMO 9294123)
DENVER (IMO 9382712)
ESTELLA (IMO 9308170)
ETHERA (IMO 9387279)
EVALI (IMO 9400980)
EVERDINE (IMO 9382073)
FENGHUANG (IMO 9236248)
GARUDA (IMO 9272931)
GENERAL SKOBELEV (IMO 9503304)
GRIF (IMO 9332028)
GUANYIN (IMO 9299707)
INDRI (IMO 9247429)
KATY (IMO 9323326)
LUMIN (IMO 9330599)
MANASLU (IMO 9388027)
MAVERICK (IMO 9321562)
MYRA (IMO 9336490)
NEMRUT (IMO 9439541)
NILANGA (IMO 9412452)
NOVA CREST (IMO 9292046)
ORVI (IMO 9321718)
PRISMA (IMO 9299678)
PROMETEI (IMO 9296597)
SAMOS (IMO 9408190)
SARASWATI (IMO 9383869)
SEGINUS (IMO 9256028)
SKADI (IMO 9230971)
STANISLAV GOVORUKHIN (IMO 9621596)
TAGOR (IMO 9282481)
TASSOS (IMO 9408695)
URIEL (IMO 9336517)
VELORA (IMO 9290373)
AS CALCUTTA (IMO 9037123)
HANSON (IMO 9237412)
INNOVATOR (IMO 9306809)
JEWEL (IMO 9419450)
JIN HUI (IMO 9430272)
TYCHE 1 (IMO 9308077)
0.4 Ships involved in transporting Russian Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to third countries:
LNG SOARS (IMO 9307205)
KUNPENG (IMO 9247194)
0.5 Entities involved in Russia’s financial sector:
POST BANK JOINT-STOCK COMPANY
AVERS BANK JOINT-STOCK COMPANY
PUBLIC JOINT STOCK COMPANY “TRANSCAPITALBANK”
JOINT-STOCK COMMERCIAL BANK “ABSOLUT BANK” (PUBLIC JOINT-STOCK COMPANY)
SINARA BANK JOINT STOCK COMPANY
JOINT-STOCK COMPANY COMMERCIAL BANK “LANTA-BANK”
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY “BANK TOCHKA”
JOINT-STOCK COMMERCIAL BANK “AK BARS” (PUBLIC JOINT-STOCK COMPANY)
JOINT-STOCK COMMERCIAL BANK “FORA-BANK” (JOINT-STOCK COMPANY)
0.6 Entities involved in Russian disinformation:
IMEDI TV
POSTV
0.7 Entities and individuals linked to, or supplying, the Russian defence sector:
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY PLANT OF ELECTRIC AGGREGATE ENGINEERING “SEPO-ZEM” OF THE JOINT-STOCK COMPANY “SARATOV ELECTRIC AGGREGATE PRODUCTION ASSOCIATION”
LLC TOP ALLOY
JSC STUPINO METALLURGICAL COMPANY
LLC PHOENIX
LLC SMP-138
Abram Borisovich GOLDMAN
JSC NEPTUN
CONTROL SYSTEMS AND INSTRUMENTS JOINT STOCK COMPANY
JOINT-STOCK COMPANY ALTAY INSTRUMENT-MAKING PLANT ROTOR
PUBLICHNOE AKTSIONERNOE OBSCHESTVO ZAVOD LADOGA
JSC DALPRIBOR
AKTSIONERNOE OBSHCHESTVO NAUCHNO-TEKHNICHESKII TSENTR ELEKTROZOND
JSC SCIENTIFIC AND PRODUCTION CENTER “AQUAMARINE”
JOINT STOCK COMPANY AFRIKANTOV
URAL DIESEL ENGINEER PLANT LLC
LLC UNIMATIC-INVERSIA
LLC MACHINE-BUILDING SOLUTIONS
Grant Arshavirovitch AKOPOV
Oleg Igorevich FISHELEV
Igor Yakovlevich FISHELEV
LLC PALFINGER KRAN RUS
JSC INMAN
JSC LIFTING MACHINES
LLC SMZ
LLC VELMASH-S
KRAN CENTER KAMAZ LLC
LLC PALFINGER KAMA CYLINDERS
LLC PMR
LLC PALFINGER SANI CRANES
0.8 International suppliers of military or dual-use goods to Russia and their enablers:
XIEFENG (HK) INT’L ELECTRONICS LTD
YIBIN VECTOR ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
BEIJING XICHAO INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND TRADE CO LTD
SHANDONG FUTURE ROBOT CO LTD
DALIAN UNIMATIC TRADING CO., LTD.
DALIAN UNITECH TRADING CO., LTD.
ZEPTO MICROWAVE AND CHIP DEVICES ASSEMBLY
SUZHOU GOODWILL MACHINERY EQUIPMENT CO., LTD
SHENZHEN SOWIN PRECISION MACHINE TOOL CO., LTD
JIANGSU QIANZHU MACHINERY CO.,LTD
NINGBO SKY MASTER PRECISION MACHINERY CO., LTD
ZHENGZHOU TIMEWAY MACHINE TOOL CO., LTD
DALIAN HAISEN MACHINERY CO., LTD
MINOSPACE / BEIJING WEINA STAR TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LTD
TAB CORPORATION (THAILAND) CO. LTD
SIAM AERO REPAIR CO LTD
SPECTRASYNC CO LTD
ALLIANCE CAPITAL KS SP ZOO
0.9 Entities and individuals linked to, or supplying, the Russian electronics sector:
Mikhail Vladimirovich GRISHCHENKO
MIDAX GROUP LLC
