# US‑UK sanctions pressure on Russia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/usuk-sanctions-pressure-on-russia
> Updated: 2026-08-06T10:52:38.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

In late July, the United States and the United Kingdom issued a joint guide to their financial‑sanctions regimes and rolled out new measures, with OFAC expanding sanctions on Russia, Cuba, Iran and Venezuela and the UK adding a package of 19 sanctions targeting Russian banks, vessels, rare‑metal importers and individuals supporting the war economy.

In August 2026, the United Kingdom announced another sanctions package that designates six Russian vessels—including the LNG carrier Arctic Express—six banks and thirteen companies or individuals linked to Moscow’s war effort. The measures again focus on the shadow fleet of oil and LNG tankers and firms supplying rare metals for weapons production.

At the same time, the U.S. Senate passed a sweeping sanctions bill, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, authorising tariffs of up to 500 % on Russian oil and gas imports and up to 100 % on goods from the top buyers of Russian energy such as China and India. The legislation expands sanctions to the Russian shadow fleet and older re‑flagged tankers.

Russian maritime data shows the shadow LNG fleet has grown to 25 vessels through acquisitions and new builds, a strategy aimed at preserving LNG exports ahead of the EU’s planned 2027 ban on Russian LNG.

## Claims

- The United Kingdom added 19 new sanctions designations, including six vessels, six banks and thirteen companies or individuals linked to Russia's war effort. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The UK sanctions target Russian banks, shadow‑fleet tankers and companies importing rare metals such as tantalum and niobium. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The US Senate passed a sanctions bill that allows tariffs of up to 500 % on Russian oil and gas imports and up to 100 % on goods from the top buyers of Russian energy. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The US bill expands sanctions to the Russian shadow fleet and older re‑flagged oil tankers used to evade existing sanctions. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Russia has expanded its shadow LNG fleet to 25 vessels, adding eight second‑hand carriers and two newly built ships from the Zvezda shipyard. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The UK designated the LNG carrier Arctic Express and five oil tankers for sanctions, prohibiting their entry into UK ports. (single source)
- The European Union plans to ban imports of Russian LNG starting in 2027. (single source)
- The US sanctions bill is named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-06: Russia faces expanded sanctions targeting shadow fleet and energy sector

The UK and US have rolled out new sanctions targeting Russia’s banks, shadow‑fleet vessels and energy sector, while Russia expands its LNG fleet ahead of an EU ban.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-adds-19-sanctions-targeting-russias-shadow-fleet-and-war-economy

### 2026-07-27: US and UK Release Joint Sanctions Guidance as OFAC Expands Russia, Cuba and Iran Measures

OFAC and the UK’s OFSI unveiled joint sanctions guidance, while OFAC issued new Russia‑related licenses, expanded Cuba sanctions and targeted Iran‑linked networks.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-and-uk-release-joint-sanctions-guidance-as-ofac-expands-russia-cuba-and-iran-measures

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Cite as: US‑UK sanctions pressure on Russia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/usuk-sanctions-pressure-on-russia