Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

The United Kingdom has announced its largest sanctions package against Russia.

What’s the deal: In an announcement, the UK rolled out sanctions targeting 56 entities and individuals involved in supporting Russia’s military supply chains and influence operations in Africa. The sanctions focus on entities based in China, Turkey, and Central Asia, which are allegedly supplying Russia with critical military components, including machine tools, microelectronics, and drone parts, essential for sustaining its military operations in Ukraine.

Additionally, the package targets Russian-backed mercenary groups active across sub-Saharan Africa, such as Africa Corps, a successor to the Wagner Group, accused of fueling instability and human rights abuses in regions like Libya, Mali, and the Central African Republic.

UK Official reacts: In a statement, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said, “Today’s measures will continue to push back on the Kremlin’s corrosive foreign policy, undermining Russia’s attempts to foster instability across Africa and disrupting the supply of vital equipment for Putin’s war machine. And smashing the illicit international networks that Russia has worked so hard to forge.”

He continued, “Putin is nearly 1,000 days into a war he thought would only take a few. He will fail and I will continue to bear down on the Kremlin and support the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom. Today’s sanctions further build on the UK’s mission to combat Russian malign activity globally.”