ANKARA/LONDON — Britain sanctioned more than two dozen targets Tuesday including firms and individuals in Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Iran in what London described as the “largest ever UK action” targeting Russia’s access to foreign military supplies for its war against Ukraine.
In a statement, the UK Foreign Ministry said it had sanctioned 22 individuals and businesses outside Russia supporting the country’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as three Russian companies importing electronics vital to Russia’s military equipment used on the battlefield.
Two Turkish businesses, Turkik Union and Azu International, were designated for exporting microelectronics “essential” for the Russian military activity in Ukraine. Azu International has already been sanctioned by Ukraine. Al-Monitor has contacted both companies for comment.
European and US leaders have repeatedly warned Turkey about local companies helping Russia evade Western sanctions. As part of its self-proclaimed policy of “proactive neutrality,” Ankara has closed the Turkish Straits to Russian military naval vessels and continued to supply critical military equipment to Ukraine, but in stark contrast to most of its allies in the bloc, the NATO member has not joined sanctions against Russia.
