UK sanctions entities in Turkey, the UAE, and Iran for their alleged role in the Ukraine war. Britain sanctioned more than two dozen targets Tuesday. Including firms and individuals in Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran. London described this 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. The reason was because they were supporting the country’s invasion of Ukraine. London sanctioned other 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 for the Russian military activity in Ukraine. Azu International has already been sanctioned by Ukraine. Al-Monitor has contacted both companies for comment.

UK sanctions entities in Turkey, UAE, Iran for alleged role in Ukraine war

European and US leaders have repeatedly warned Turkey about local companies helping Russia evade Western sanctions. Ankara has closed the Turkish Straits to Russian military naval vessels and continued to supply critical military equipment to Ukraine. This was part of its self-proclaimed policy of “proactive neutrality”. But in stark contrast to most of its allies in the bloc, the NATO member has not joined sanctions against Russia.

The United Arab Emirates has also maintained a neutral stance regarding the Ukraine war. The Dubai-based Aeromotus Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Trading LLC was also sanctioned by the United Kingdom. The reason was for its alleged role in supplying drones and drone components to Russia. Al-Monitor has contacted the company for comment. The US Treasury sanctioned Aeromotus and Azu International in April for their suspected participation in the 18-month battle.

In a statement announcing the sanctions, the UK Foreign Ministry said it was also taking further action to tackle Iran’s and Belarus’s support for Russia’s military. Iran has supplied Shahed drones that Russia has deployed in Ukraine. The UK sanctions include Iranian individuals and entities involved in the research, development, and production of unmanned aerial vehicles for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Tuesday’s announcement is not the first time Britain has sanctioned Turkish, UAE and Iranian companies for their alleged role in the Ukraine war.

Read more at al-monitor.com