The UK government has announced a new sanctions package targeting Russia's war effort.

The action targets Russia’s illicit shadow fleet and finance networks that are used to circumvent Western sanctions and support military procurement.

New powers were brought in last month which have now enabled the government to target more than 20 oil tankers. Further sanctions have been issued on those who are suspected of enabling Putin’s illicit oil trade, including ship insurers and other shipping services.

The UK is the first G7 country to sanction several Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) vessels recently acquired by Russia to service Russia’s sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project, responsible for exporting millions of tonnes of LNG.

The UK has now sanctioned more than 600 shadow fleet and Russian LNG vessels.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "These sanctions target the vessels, the money and the actors propping up Russia’s war economy, and in turn, threatening European security.

"Working with our G7 allies, we will continue to increase the pressure in Putin and his circle of collaborators until Russia’s war machine is brought to a halt and peace returns to our continent."

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "As the Kremlin resorts to ever more shady tactics to sustain its war, from its ageing shadow fleet to covert finance networks, the UK remains one step ahead in shutting them down.

"These sanctions strike at the heart of these murky efforts, to starve Putin’s war machine and defend Britain’s security.

"Shoulder to shoulder with our G7 partners, the UK will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes."

Further sanctions target a Russian military intelligence (GRU) network centred around GRU front company LLC Neptune Co Ltd (‘Neptune’). Neptune is believed to be involved in covertly procuring western technology for Russia’s military.

Three companies and 10 GRU officers suspected of acquiring military technology have been targeted.

Sanctions have also been laid against third country suppliers of critical military equipment to Russia in China, Thailand and Türkiye, along with several organisations helping Russia illegally move money.