Topic analysis

UK firms to face tougher checks on export licences to bolster sanctions on Russia

The UK government will introduce tougher export licensing controls on Wednesday, mandating that firms obtain licences when exporting to countries suspected of diverting goods to Russia to address gaps in existing sanctions against Vladimir Putin's regime. This decision follows a Guardian report about a UK carbon fibre equipment export to an Armenian firm linked to Russia's war effort, with Business Minister Chris Bryant noting the new rules would have applied to dozens of prior cases and aim to weaken Russia's economy and military capacity in Ukraine.