British foreign minister David Lammy stated that the new sanctions are intended to weaken President Vladimir Putin's shadow fleet and reduce Russia's key oil revenues, which are believed to be funding its war efforts.

Two Russian Companies Also Sanctioned
Along with the tanker fleet, Britain imposed sanctions on two Russian firms. One is Intershipping Services LLC, a company responsible for registering vessels under Gabon's flag, allowing them to ship nearly $10 billion worth of goods each year on behalf of Russia.

The other is Litasco Middle East DMCC, an oil trader accused of transporting large amounts of Russian oil despite existing international restrictions.

The Russian embassy in London did not respond to the new sanctions. Moscow has regularly criticized Western sanctions, calling them illegal and claiming they damage the stability of global energy markets.

Broader Sanctions Across Europe
This latest move from the UK follows a wider effort by European countries to tighten sanctions on Russia. Just days earlier, the European Union agreed on an 18th sanctions package focused on Russia's oil and energy industries.

Part of this European crackdown includes a plan to lower the crude oil price cap from $60 to $47.60 per barrel. Both the EU and Britain hope this will reduce Russia's income from oil exports and further disrupt its access to international markets.