London, Aug. 6 (SANA)The United Kingdom on Thursday imposed a new package of sanctions targeting 19 Russian entities, including banks, vessels linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” and companies accused of helping Moscow circumvent Western restrictions, as part of efforts to disrupt Russia’s financing of the war inUkraine.

According to a statement issued by theUK government, the sanctions target six Russian banks supporting the country’s wartime economy, six oil tankers associated with the “shadow fleet” that were recently acquired to evade Western sanctions, and four Russian companies importing tantalum and niobium, two rare metals used in the manufacture of military equipment.

The government said the latest measures bring the total number of Russian individuals, entities and vessels sanctioned by the UK since the start of the war to more than 3,400. It added that more than 500 Russian individuals, entities and vessels have been sanctioned this year alone.

The statement said the measures form part of the UK’s broader efforts to strengthen European and NATO security while weakening Russia’s ability to continue the war in Ukraine. It added that the sanctions underscore Britain’s commitment to supporting Kyiv for as long as necessary.

The announcement follows British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s reaffirmation on July 27 of the UK’s commitment to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Ukraine during a meeting in London with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.F.J./ABD