Starting August 22, the United Kingdom began charging commissions for the ongoing servicing of Russian frozen accounts. This follows the general license issued by the British government, which outlines how banks may apply fees for maintenance of these frozen accounts. The license specifies that banks may levy bank commissions and service fees to cover ongoing upkeep, while banks designated under Russian law are not permitted to receive these payments from the sanctioned accounts. [attribution: UK Government]
The general license does not carry an expiry date. It was published on March 10 but carried an effective date of August 22. The license is part of the broader set of measures the UK has imposed to restrict and regulate financial interactions connected to Russian sanctions. [attribution: UK Government]
Previously, the United Kingdom introduced sanctions that restrict imports of gold from Russia and impose bans on the direct or indirect purchase and import of coal and coal products from Russia, in addition to oil. These actions are part of a comprehensive effort to constrain Russia’s economic activities in response to ongoing geopolitical developments. [attribution: UK Government]
On July 5, Britain added sanctions targeting two more Russian individuals for involvement in disinformation campaigns and promotion of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. This reflects the UK’s ongoing use of individual designations to address propaganda and support for the conflict. [attribution: UK Government]
Earlier, on June 16, London placed the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill on the sanctions list for providing active support to Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. Maria Lvova-Belova, the Commissioner for the Rights of the Child of the President of the Russian Federation, was also sanctioned for alleged involvement in the forced adoption and transfer of Ukrainian children. These measures highlight the UK’s approach to targeting individuals believed to be associated with or enabling the conflict. [attribution: UK Government]