UK sanctions Georgia-linked supporters of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-18)

The UK has announced new sanctions targeting Georgia-linked supporters of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.

- Latest UK sanctions target Georgia’s hidden supporters of Russia.
- Move tightens pressure on Russia’s international support network.
- Sanctions come amid increasing Russian influence in Georgia.
The UK has announced new sanctions targeting Georgia-linked supporters of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.

As Russia’s war footing weakens, the Kremlin is increasingly looking to proxies in third countries to support its war and propaganda operations, including in Georgia.

Two oil tankers have been sanctioned for transporting Russian oil to the Georgian port of Batumi, as part of the ‘shadow fleet’– a collection of decrepit and dangerous vessels used by the Kremlin in a desperate attempt to cling onto their energy revenues, the number one source of funding for the illegal war in Ukraine. These ships will now be barred from entering UK ports and will be refused access to the UK Ship Register.

Georgian politician and media mogul Levan Vasadze is targeted for using his platforms to pump out pro-Russian disinformation. Businessman, Otar Partskhaladze, who has extensive links to Russia and to the highest levels of the Georgian Dream party is also sanctioned.

The UK has unleashed over 2800 sanctions against Russia, eroding Putin’s energy revenues, exposing the Kremlin’s malicious behaviour across the world, and supporting Ukraine in pursuit of a just and lasting peace. The UK will continue to ratchet up economic pressure alongside our allies until Putin stops the bloodshed.

Alongside this pressure on Russia, the UK’s support for Ukraine is ironclad. With the Foreign Secretary visiting Kyiv to announce £142 million of new funding for energy infrastructure to boost Ukraine’s resilience, the UK leading the Coalition of the Willing alongside France, and the signing of the 100-year partnership – the UK will stand by Ukraine’s side for as long as it takes.

Minister of State Stephen Doughty said:

“Putin’s war machine relies on an international web to spread lies and fund this network.

“We’re cutting off another lifeline by targeting and deterring those in Georgia who provide support for Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.

“The Kremlin must be in no doubt: the UK will continue to expose the shadowy networks propping up Putin.”

New designations also include businesses Aeza International, involved in destabilising Ukraine by providing internet services to Russian disinformation campaigns; and HeliCo Group, which operates in Russia’s transport industry.

Every step towards peace in Ukraine is a step towards security in the UK – a foundation of this Government’s Plan for Change.

The action follows the UK downgrading its ties with Georgia in 2024. The move was in response to the ruling party, Georgian Dream, enforcing Kremlin-inspired laws, cracking down on civil society, and imprisoning opposition politicians.

Background

A full list of the UK sanctions can be found here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-uk-sanctions-list).

In April 2025 (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-sanctions-georgian-officials-responsible-for-allowing-brutal-police-violence), the UK sanctioned four high-ranking Georgian officials for their role in allowing serious human rights violations against Georgian protestors.

Also in April 2025 (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/campaign-to-tackle-dirty-money-steps-up-with-new-sanctions), the UK announced the designation of two Georgian judges for corruption under the Global Anti-Corruption Regime.

In December 2024 (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-sanctions-georgian-officials-responsible-for-brutal-crackdown-on-media-and-protestors), the UK sanctioned five senior individuals responsible for violent attacks against journalists and peaceful protestors in Georgia, in coordinated action with the United States.

A specified ship is prohibited from being provided with access to or having its master or pilot cause it to enter a port in the UK, may have its registration on the UK Ship Register terminated, and a master or pilot of a specified ship may be given a port barring direction, a detention direction, and a port entry direction or a movement direction.