The United Kingdom has unveiled a new package of sanctions as part of intensified global efforts to secure a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine, the UK government announced on August 20.
According to the statement, Russia has sought to bypass existing restrictions by shifting operations to Kyrgyzstan’s financial sector and opaque crypto networks. This includes the use of the A7A5 token, which processed $9.3 billion in transactions over just four months on a specialized exchange.
The latest sanctions target Kyrgyzstan’s Capital Bank and its director, Kantemir Chalbaev, accused of facilitating payments for Russian military supplies. Measures have also been imposed on the crypto exchanges Grinex and Meer, which provide infrastructure for the ruble-backed token.
Additional entities added to the sanctions list include GRINEX LLC, CJSC TENGRICOIN, OLD VECTOR LLC, Leonid Shumakov, Zhanyshbek uulu Nazarbek, and Altair Holding SA.
“These sanctions keep up the pressure on Putin at a critical time and crack down on the illicit networks being used to funnel money into his war chest. Alongside our allies, we will continue to support the US-led drive to end this illegal war and secure a just and lasting peace,” said Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty.
The UK government stressed that increasing pressure on Russia’s “war machine” reinforces the efforts of US President Donald Trump to halt the killings in Ukraine and push Moscow toward meaningful negotiations, while also strengthening Britain’s own security.
Officials in London added that the new sanctions would tighten the net around illicit financial schemes and show their determination to dismantle international sanctions-evasion mechanisms that bankroll Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, wherever such networks operate.
Earlier, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that the bloc is preparing its 19th package of sanctions against Russia, which could be finalized by September.
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