UK Imposes New Energy Sanctions Against Russia at G7 Summit

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced new energy sanctions against Russia at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, and signed an agreement to supply enriched uranium to Ukraine's nuclear power plants. The measures target Russia's so-called shadow tanker fleet and financial networks used to evade sanctions. Starmer stressed that Russian aggression threatens the security of all of Europe.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, a new package of sanctions against Russia and a deal guaranteeing deliveries of enriched uranium to Ukraine's nuclear power plants for the next two years.

Shadow Tankers and Financial Networks in Focus

The UK's latest measures are aimed primarily at Russia's illegal shadow tanker fleet. Over the weekend, the British Navy carried out its first-ever operation involving the seizure of a banned oil tanker linked to sanctions evasion. The sanctions also include embargoes on multiple vessels carrying sanctioned Russian liquefied natural gas and restrictions on financial structures used to circumvent sanctions and arm Russia's war machine.

Urenco Deal with Ukraine

Starmer also announced an agreement under which £210 million will be allocated through UK export finance to support Urenco, a nuclear fuel company operating in Britain, in supplying enriched uranium to Energoatom, Ukraine's nuclear energy producer. The deal was signed during a recent meeting between Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and is intended to ensure the operation of Ukraine's nuclear power plants for the next two winters.

"Russian aggression threatens not only Ukraine, but the security of all Europe. That is why the UK is taking action, cutting off the revenues that fuel Putin's war, and providing Ukraine with energy for the winters ahead," said Starmer.

G7 Focus on Ukrainian Peace

The G7 summit in France began with its first session dedicated to ensuring peace and security in Ukraine and Europe. Starmer is expected to address the session, calling on the leaders of partner nations to collectively do more to ensure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.