The UK Government said Tuesday that it has imposed sanctions against more than a dozen senior members of Russia’s military for their role as part of the Armed Forces and their involvement in the «inhumane» and «unjustified» invasion of Ukraine.
Thus, the authorities have pointed out that those sanctioned are mostly Army commanders «involved in missile attacks against Ukrainian cities». In addition, among them are also an Iranian businessman and a member of the Army, both involved in the production or supply of drones «intended to carry out attacks» against the country, as the British government stressed in a statement.
«The United Kingdom has today announced a new package of 16 sanctions against Russian commanders and military units for their links with the Russian Armed Forces,» the text states, pointing out that the measure has been taken in view of the intensification «of the Russian terror campaign against Ukraine against vital energy infrastructures».
In total, twelve commanders have been affected by these measures, as well as several units involved in attacks against cities in the country. General Robert Baranov, identified as the commander of the unit responsible for scheduling the launching of cruise missiles, is among those affected.
It is estimated that more than 6,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed since the invasion began, mainly as a result of artillery strikes and shelling. The UK authorities have recalled that «directly and intentionally targeting civilians in attacks is a serious violation of international law».
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has insisted that the UK «continues to stand by Ukraine». «Calculated attacks by Russian forces on cities and innocent civilians will not go unanswered,» he said.
He also stressed that the «Iranian regime is increasingly isolated as its own people call for a change of government». Cleverly accused Tehran of «making sordid deals with (Vladimir) Putin in a desperate attempt to survive».
