Strengthened UK Russian sanctions legislation comes into force

The Government now has the power to impose tough new sanctions against Russia, after legislation was laid in Parliament today as part of measures to urge the Kremlin to end its campaign of aggression in Ukraine. Minister for Europe, James Cleverly, signed the legislation today.

This legislation provides the framework for the strongest sanctions regime the UK has had against Russia. It means the UK can now impose sanctions on Russian businesses and individuals in a wide range of economic and strategically significant sectors, such as the chemical, defence, extractives, ICT and financial services industries.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said:

The UK is resolute in its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and right to self-determination.

We urge Russia to de-escalate and choose the path of diplomacy. If Russia persists with its aggression towards Ukraine the UK and its partners will not hesitate to act.

The UK can now sanction not just those linked directly to the destabilisation of Ukraine, but also Government of Russia affiliated entities and businesses of economic and strategic significance to the Russian government, as well as their owners, directors and trustees.

• The UK has implemented an independent sanctions policy and powers since 31 December 2020. The Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (the Sanctions Act) provides the legal framework for the imposition of UK sanctions and the implementation of UN sanctions

• Under the current sanctions regime, the 2019 Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations, the UK has been able to sanction those involved in destabilising Ukraine or undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine

• On 31 January the Foreign Secretary announced in Parliament that she was proposing amendments to the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 that would broaden the scope of our designation criteria, enabling the UK to more readily designate a greater number of individuals and businesses associated with the Kremlin

• These changes will not designate or impose sanctions on any individuals or businesses automatically, but will provide the additional powers we need to be able to do so in the event of any further Russian incursion into Ukraine.