The UK government announced a new sanctions package on 6 August 2026, with 19 targets including six Russian banks, six newly acquired shadow fleet tankers and four companies importing tantalum and niobium. According to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the measures target individuals and businesses enabling Russia's war in Ukraine and aim to constrain revenue streams the Kremlin relies on.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband described the package as his first major sanctions action since taking office. The government said the UK had imposed sanctions on more than 500 individuals, entities and ships under its Russia sanctions regime this year alone, and had now sanctioned more than 3,400 under the regime. Chancellor John Healey said the measures were intended to cut off funds fuelling the war and target the shadow fleet.

The release said Miliband met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington the previous day to discuss maintaining pressure on Russia, and that he and the Prime Minister had hosted President Zelenskyy in Portsmouth the week before, where drone support was announced.