The United Kingdom announced it will impose sanctions on more than 600 vessels involved in transporting Russian oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) in an effort to curb revenues supporting President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine. The move, unveiled on the opening day of the G7 summit in France, targets Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet” engaged in covert energy shipments.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that the sanctions aim to disrupt Russia’s ability to finance its military operations. Details regarding the exact number of ships to be sanctioned were scheduled to be released at 8 a.m. local time, signaling Britain as an early actor in this new phase of sanctions. Alongside the maritime measures, plans to block Russia’s acquisition of Western technology for military purposes were also set to be announced.

Starmer’s announcement came amid broader efforts to support Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. A £210 million agreement was disclosed under which Urenco, a British-based nuclear fuel supplier, will provide enriched uranium to Ukraine’s state nuclear power company, Energoatom, over the next two years. More than one-third of the uranium supplied will be processed at Urenco’s facility in northwest England. This deal follows an earlier two-year contract to supply nuclear fuel to Ukraine, aiming to ensure the country’s energy resilience through the coming winters.

The Prime Minister is also seeking to demonstrate commitment to defense spending despite delays in releasing the United Kingdom’s defence investment plan, a delay that recently contributed to the resignation of the defence secretary over funding concerns. Starmer pledged to publish this plan by the start of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7. Though no bilateral meeting has been confirmed, Starmer was set to hold talks on the summit’s first day with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In remarks delivered the night before the G7 meeting, Starmer framed the new sanctions and energy support as part of the UK’s broader strategy to counter Russia’s aggression. He stated that Russia’s actions threatened not only Ukraine but the security of the entire European continent, reinforcing the country’s long-term commitment to stand with Ukraine until the conflict ends. “Putin should roll back his tanks, end his barbaric strikes and come to the negotiating table,” he added.

The UK’s coordinated approach at the G7 summit reflects increasing efforts by Western nations to tighten economic pressure on Russia while bolstering Ukraine’s capacity to withstand the ongoing conflict.