The UK government rolled out a fresh set of sanctions on May 20 targeting Russian uranium imports, maritime logistics for energy shipments, and cryptocurrency networks used to dodge existing restrictions. Ukrainian officials indicated that an even broader package aimed at Russia’s financial sector could land later this week.
The measures, codified as the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/543), go after Russian-origin uranium classified under commodity codes 2844 10, 2844 20, and 2844 30. That covers the import, acquisition, and supply of these materials to third countries, a direct shot at one of Russia’s less-discussed but meaningful revenue streams: nuclear fuel exports.
Crypto networks in the crosshairs
The new UK measures specifically reference the so-called “A7 network,” a Kremlin-affiliated financial infrastructure that reportedly uses cryptocurrency channels to facilitate sanctions circumvention. The regulations target both the network itself and associated service providers.
Back in August 2025, the UK sanctioned two cryptocurrency exchanges, Grinex and Meer, for actively participating in sanctions evasion processes tied to Russia. The latest round builds on that precedent but widens the scope considerably, going beyond individual exchanges to target entire financial networks.
