London, by Thanasis Gavou

Another 86 persons, businesses and government entities linked to the Kremlin has been placed on the international sanctions list by the British government.

The new wave of sanctions involves people and organizations linked to the energy, metals, defense, transport and financial sectors, which Putin uses to support his “military machine”.

Also, penalties are imposed on “shadow” businesses and persons associated with the theft of Ukrainian grain.

A significant percentage of the additions to the sanctions list relate to Rosatom, Russia’s atomic energy agency.

In the metals sector, the sanctions concern, among others, the billionaire oligarch Igor Altuskin, owner of the Russian Copper Company.

Russian shipping companies deemed to be contributing to the theft of Ukrainian grain are also now subject to sanctions, as well as 20 more defense officials and companies.

Finally, five more are added to the list financial institutions of Russia.

Sanctions consist of an asset freeze in the UK and a ban on entry into the country.

Earlier in the morning from Japan, where he is for the G7 summit, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had announced new import bans on Russian diamonds and metals, such as copper, aluminum and nickel.

Secretary of State James Cleverley said pressure on Putin would continue to intensify. “Our support for Ukraine is and will remain unwavering for as long as necessary,” he added.

Britain’s Russia sanctions list now includes 1,601 individuals and 229 entities.