Ukraine imposes new sanctions targeting Russian maritime and defence supply chains

Ukraine imposes new sanctions targeting Russian maritime and defence supply chains
Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine, 16 January 2026.
Reuters

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has approved new sanctions targeting Russian maritime operators, defence-linked companies and individuals connected to Moscow’s military and energy sectors, according to official decrees issued on Saturday.

The measures affect 46 Russian nationals, two Iranian citizens and 44 Russian companies associated with the production and maintenance of equipment used in Russia’s defence industry. The targeted entities are said to be involved in supply chains supporting missile systems, electronic warfare technology, drones, small arms and ammunition.

The announcement was made through the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, which is responsible for implementing national security decisions.

Maritime shadow fleet targets 225 vessel captains

The sanctions also extend to 225 ship captains operating within Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, which Ukrainian authorities say is used to export oil products while attempting to circumvent restrictions imposed by the European Union, the Group of Seven and other partners.

Kyiv said monitoring of shipping activity across the Black, Red and Baltic Seas indicated that the captains commanded vessels transporting Russian petroleum products in breach of international sanctions regimes.

Officials said 188 of the targeted tankers were already subject to restrictions imposed by Western allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland.

Vladyslav Vlasiuk, a sanctions policy expert working in the Ukrainian presidential office, said the individual measures against crew members are intended to discourage participation in maritime operations that generate revenue for Russia’s war effort, adding that working on a sanctioned vessel could lead to financial and legal consequences.

Iranian nationals linked to aviation parts supply

The second sanctions package includes two Iranian citizens accused of helping facilitate the supply of aviation components in violation of restrictions.

Kyiv said the activities were connected to the Iranian Aircraft Manufacturing Industries Corporation, which is already under sanctions from several Western countries over cooperation with Russia in the development and production of Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles.

Ukraine said it would share information on the new listings with international partners to support enforcement coordination and strengthen pressure on supply networks supporting Russian military operations and energy exports.

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