The United Kingdom has imposed new sanctions on individuals and entities linked to Georgia that it says are helping sustain Russia’s war effort against Ukraine. The move comes as part of London’s broader strategy to tighten pressure on the Kremlin’s international support network.
The UK government, Moscow is increasingly relying on proxies in third countries to prop up its war machine and spread propaganda. Georgia has become one of the focal points of these operations.
Among those targeted are two oil tankers accused of transporting Russian oil to the Georgian port of Batumi as part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” — a network of outdated and unsafe vessels used to bypass restrictions and preserve energy revenues, the Kremlin’s primary source of war financing. These ships will now be barred from UK ports and refused entry to the UK Ship Register.
Prominent Georgian figures have also been sanctioned. Politician and media mogul Levan Vasadze is accused of using his platforms to amplify pro-Russian disinformation. Former Chief Prosecutor Otar Partskhaladze, who maintains extensive ties with Russia and senior members of the ruling Georgian Dream party, has likewise been blacklisted.
The UK noted that it has now issued more than 2,800 sanctions against Russia and its supporters, aiming to erode Moscow’s energy revenues, expose malign activities abroad, and stand firmly with Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty.
Alongside the sanctions, Britain has pledged unwavering support for Ukraine. The Foreign Secretary recently visited Kyiv to announce £142 million in funding for energy infrastructure, while the UK continues to lead the “Coalition of the Willing” with France and reinforce a 100-year partnership agreement with Ukraine.
Minister of State Stephen Doughty emphasized the purpose of the latest measures:
“Putin’s war machine relies on an international web to spread lies and fund his aggression. We’re cutting off another lifeline by targeting those in Georgia who provide support for his illegal war. The Kremlin must be in no doubt: the UK will continue to expose the shadowy networks propping up Putin.”
The new designations also include companies such as Aeza International, accused of enabling Russian disinformation campaigns by providing internet services, and HeliCo Group, which operates within Russia’s transport sector.
This latest round of sanctions follows the UK’s decision in 2024 to downgrade ties with Georgia, citing the ruling Georgian Dream party’s adoption of Kremlin-inspired legislation, suppression of civil society, and imprisonment of opposition leaders.
