United Kingdom Targets Transneft in ‘Biggest Sanctions Package’ Since 2022 Invasion - The Moscow Times
Moscow Times
February 24, 2026
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The United Kingdom has unveiled its largest sanctions package against Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, targeting the oil pipeline operator Transneft and other entities involved in the shadow fleet network of ships that transport Russian crude oil. The move, announced on the fourth anniversary of the war, aims to disrupt Russia's critical revenue streams and financing for its military operations. Transneft, which transports over 80% of Russia’s crude exports, has been under U.S. sanctions since 2014, and the new measures will further strain Moscow’s energy revenues. Along with Transneft, the UK has also sanctioned 48 oil tankers linked to the shadow fleet and 175 companies in the Dubai-based 2Rivers group, accused of being major traders of Russian crude.
The sanctions are part of a broader effort by the British government to dismantle Russia’s ability to fund its war through energy sales. Since 2022, Western restrictions on Russian oil exports have forced Moscow to sell its crude at discounted prices, primarily to countries like China and India. Despite these challenges, Russia has continued to rely on shadow fleets to bypass sanctions and maintain its oil revenue streams. The UK’s latest measures are designed to further disrupt this network, with the Foreign Office emphasizing that “Russian oil is off the market.”
The announcement marks a significant escalation in international efforts to isolate Russia economically. Since the war began, the UK has targeted over 3,000 individuals, entities, and ships as
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Originally published on Moscow Times on 2/24/2026