- Latest UK sanctions target Georgia's hidden supporters of
Russia.
- Move tightens pressure on Russia's international support
network.
- Sanctions come amid increasing Russian influence in
Georgia.
The UK has announced new sanctions targeting Georgia-linked
supporters of Putin's illegal war in Ukraine.
As Russia's war footing weakens, the Kremlin is increasingly
looking to proxies in third countries to support its war and
propaganda operations, including in Georgia.
Two oil tankers have been sanctioned for transporting Russian oil
to the Georgian port of Batumi, as part of the ‘shadow fleet'– a
collection of decrepit and dangerous vessels used by the Kremlin
in a desperate attempt to cling onto their energy revenues, the
number one source of funding for the illegal war in Ukraine.
These ships will now be barred from entering UK ports and will be
refused access to the UK Ship Register.
Georgian politician and media mogul Levan Vasadze is targeted for
using his platforms to pump out pro-Russian disinformation.
Businessman, Otar Partskhaladze, who has extensive links to
Russia and to the highest levels of the Georgian Dream party is
also sanctioned.
The UK has unleashed over 2800 sanctions against Russia, eroding
Putin's energy revenues, exposing the Kremlin's malicious
behaviour across the world, and supporting Ukraine in pursuit of
a just and lasting peace. The UK will continue to ratchet up
economic pressure alongside our allies until Putin stops the
bloodshed.
Alongside this pressure on Russia, the UK's support for Ukraine
is ironclad. With the Foreign Secretary visiting Kyiv to announce
£142 million of new funding for energy infrastructure to boost
Ukraine's resilience, the UK leading the Coalition of the Willing
alongside France, and the signing of the 100-year partnership –
the UK will stand by Ukraine's side for as long as it takes.
Minister of State said:
“Putin's war machine relies on an international web to spread
lies and fund this network.
“We're cutting off another lifeline by targeting and deterring
those in Georgia who provide support for Putin's illegal war in
Ukraine.
“The Kremlin must be in no doubt: the UK will continue to expose
the shadowy networks propping up Putin.”
New designations also include businesses Aeza International,
involved in destabilising Ukraine by providing internet services
to Russian disinformation campaigns; and HeliCo Group, which
operates in Russia's transport industry.
Every step towards peace in Ukraine is a step towards security in
the UK – a foundation of this Government's Plan for Change.
The action follows the UK downgrading its ties with Georgia in
2024. The move was in response to the ruling party, Georgian
Dream, enforcing Kremlin-inspired laws, cracking down on civil
society, and imprisoning opposition politicians.
Background
- A full list of the UK sanctions can be found here.
- In April 2025, the UK
sanctioned four high-ranking Georgian officials for their role
in allowing serious human rights violations against Georgian
protestors.
- Also in April 2025, the UK
announced the designation of two Georgian judges for corruption
under the Global Anti-Corruption Regime.
- In December 2024, the
UK sanctioned five senior individuals responsible for violent
attacks against journalists and peaceful protestors in Georgia,
in coordinated action with the United States.
- A specified ship is prohibited from being provided with
access to or having its master or pilot cause it to enter a port
in the UK, may have its registration on the UK Ship Register
terminated, and a master or pilot of a specified ship may be
given a port barring direction, a detention direction, and a port
entry direction or a movement direction.
