In a significant escalation of economic pressure on Russia, Britain has imposed sanctions on North Korea’s defense minister, No Kwang Choi, along with four generals, following their decision to send 11,000 North Korean troops to fight for Russian forces in Ukraine. This move marks the latest round of sanctions targeting individuals and entities that are contributing to Vladimir Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the sanctions as a direct response to North Korea’s involvement in the conflict, highlighting that these individuals were “complicit” in the use of their forces as “cannon fodder” for Putin’s military objectives. This marks a major tightening of the UK’s sanctions regime and reflects the growing global consensus on holding those enabling Russia’s war efforts accountable.

The sanctions were announced on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, underscoring the UK’s continued commitment to intensifying pressure on the Kremlin. In total, more than 100 individuals and entities, including those from Russia and other countries, have been added to the UK’s sanctions list. These measures target various aspects of Russia’s military supply chain, including entities involved in providing critical materials and support to the Russian military, further isolating Putin’s regime economically.

Among the new sanctions, Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” — a network of ships accused of helping Moscow evade sanctions on Russian oil — has been hit with restrictions. Additionally, key Russian oligarchs, such as billionaire Roman Trotsenko, now face asset freezes and travel bans as part of a broader effort to curb Putin’s financial resources.

The new sanctions also target producers and suppliers of machine tools, electronics, and dual-use goods that are critical for Russia’s military, with a particular focus on countries such as Turkey, China, India, and Central Asian states. China, being the largest supplier of critical goods for Russia’s military, is once again in the spotlight as Western nations continue to push for greater economic pressure on countries enabling Russia’s war effort.

Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer voiced support for the new sanctions, emphasizing that Russia’s economy was already under significant strain due to three years of Western sanctions. He argued that these latest measures, which represent the largest sanctions package since the early days of the war, are crucial in driving Putin “to a point where he is ready not just to talk but to make concessions.” The UK government’s stance is clear: the road to peace in Ukraine lies in increasing the economic cost for Russia until Putin is forced to negotiate.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pushed for even tougher measures, including further tightening the cap on Russian oil prices and targeting financial institutions that help Russia evade sanctions. The UK government sees these sanctions as part of a broader strategy to weaken Russia’s ability to sustain its war effort.

In addition to military targets, the UK’s sanctions package aims to disrupt every possible military supply line and prevent any financial transactions that support Russia’s ongoing aggression. Lammy emphasized that each new restriction brings the UK closer to its goal of a “just and lasting peace” for Ukraine and ensures the UK remains part of the global effort for peace, security, and prosperity.

This latest round of sanctions reflects the UK’s determination to continue its strong support for Ukraine, sending a clear message to Russia and its allies that the West will not relent in holding them accountable for their actions. As the conflict enters its fourth year, the UK’s strategy is to continue ramping up pressure on Putin while ensuring Ukraine is in the strongest position to defend its sovereignty and work toward a peaceful resolution.

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