UK to sanction 178 Russian separatists in breakaway regions

The UK government is sanctioning 178 individuals in coordination with the EU – targeting those who prop up Russian-backed illegal breakaway regions of Ukraine.

This comes after multiple reports last week that Russia was barbarically targeting civilians in those regions.

Individuals sanctioned include Alexander Ananchenko and Sergey Kozlov, self-styled Prime Minister and Chair of Government of the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics.

Further family members of Russian oligarchs have been targeted today as the UK government sanctions Pavel Ezubov, cousin of Oleg Deripaska, and Nigina Zairova, Executive Assistant to Mikhail Fridman.

In total the government is sanctioning 206 individuals today, including the 178 separatists, six oligarchs, close associates and employees, and an additional 22 individuals through the urgent procedure. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February, the UK has sanctioned over 1,400 individuals and businesses – including over 100 oligarchs and family members.

Today’s announcement comes ahead of the laying of secondary legislation in Parliament tomorrow, which will ban the import of iron and steel products as well as the export of quantum technologies, advanced materials and luxury goods.

Foreign secretary Liz Truss said: “In the wake of horrific rocket attacks on civilians in Eastern Ukraine, we are today sanctioning those who prop up the illegal breakaway regions and are complicit in atrocities against the Ukrainian people. We will continue to target all those who aid and abet Putin’s war.

“From tomorrow, we are banning the import of Russian iron and steel, as well as the export of quantum technologies and advanced materials that Putin sorely needs. We will not rest in our mission to stop Putin’s war machine in its tracks.”