The UK has placed sanctions on 10 companies based in China, accusing them of supporting Russia's defence industry. This move is part of the UK's largest set of economic measures against Vladimir Putin's government since 2022.

According to a statement from the UK's Foreign Office, the new sanctions target companies that support Russia's military dictatorship and the supply chains it depends on. They also apply to some companies in Thailand and India. According to the statement, the companies primarily manufacture and provide Russia's military with electronics, machine tools and dual-purpose items, such as microprocessors for weaponry. Russia's full-scale invasion is now in its fourth year, and Britain is increasing its support for Ukraine through new sanctions. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump continues to indicate that he wants to reduce American aid to Ukraine.

The UK is working to strengthen its economic ties with China after relations worsened under the previous Conservative government. Last month, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves visited Beijing and Labour ministers have supported a debated plan for a new Chinese embassy in London. The government is trying to balance its focus on economic growth with concerns about China’s policies, including its support for Putin, while also navigating America's tougher stance on Beijing. China-Russia relations have "unique strategic value," according to Chinese President Xi Jinping, who called Putin on Monday.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet former US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday. He aims to convince Trump not to start negotiations with Russia too quickly, especially without Ukraine's approval and to ensure the US provides security guarantees in any future peace deal. Meanwhile, Starmer is also facing pressure from both Trump and the UK's military leaders to increase Britain's defence spending as soon as possible.

The UK has imposed sanctions on North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang Chol and other generals for sending over 11,000 troops to Russia. Sanctions have also been placed on Kyrgyzstan-based OJSC Keremet Bank. According to the Foreign Office, these sanctions aim to cut off funds supporting Putin’s war efforts and Russia’s corrupt system. At the same time, Defence Secretary John Healey announced that the UK would double its funding for a program that helps wounded Ukrainian soldiers on the frontlines.

“As the world marks the grim milestone of Putin’s full-scale invasion entering its fourth year, we cannot and will not turn our backs on Ukraine in their fight for our shared security,” UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said.