Sanctions update: June 2026 in Shipping Law News 24/06/2026 U K On 16 June 2026, at the annual G7 summit, the UK Prime Minister announced a new sanctions package against Russia. This included new sanctions directed at Russia’s shadow fleet, with 27 newly designated vessels that included 20 oil tankers. To date, the UK has sanctioned more than 600 shadow fleet and Russian LNG vessels. The UK government statement also indicated that those suspected of enabling the sale of tankers to Russia’s shadow fleet would be exposed and face action. Any individual or entity thought to be enabling Russia’s illicit oil trade, including ship insurers and others providing shipping services, were also sanctioned. In addition to the 27 targeted vessels, there were another 43 designations of entities and individuals. Some of these further measures were directed at third country suppliers of critical military equipment to Russia in China, Thailand and Turkey. Several organisations assisting Russia to bypass sanctions and move money were also targeted. Sanctions were also announced against a company procuring western technology for Russia’s military as well as three companies and a number of Russian military intelligence officers suspected of acquiring military technology for Russia. These latest sanctions follow on from other measures, announced by the UK on 26 May 2026, aimed at crypto networks and other illicit finance networks used to bypass sanctions. The 18 designations announced in May 2026 included the A7 network, a Kremlin-backed system used to bypass sanctions, finance military procurement and process funds from the sale of oil to fund the war in Ukraine. The designations also targeted individuals linked to A7. The 26 May and 16 June 2026 measures reflect the UK’s determination to maintain the pressure on Russia in light of its actions against Ukraine. Some doubt was cast with regard to the UK’s stance when, on 20 May 2026, the UK Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI)