UK sanctions individuals linked to Georgia’s Russian-controlled regions, British Embassy

The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on 31 individuals, entities and ships under its Russia sanctions regime over activities that threaten Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, the British Embassy in Georgia said on Thursday.

The measures include three individuals linked to Georgia’s Russian-controlled regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia - Marat Kambolov, Alan Gagloev and Sergey Tolmachev.

The British Embassy said Russia’s aggression against Ukraine was part of a broader pattern of disregard for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and internationally recognised borders of neighbouring countries, including through its continued occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

London also condemned what it described as Russia’s attempts to consolidate its control over the two regions, including through the so-called presidential election held in South Ossetia on 18 September and what the UK described as further steps towards de facto annexation.

“We remain steadfast in our support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and will continue to hold Russia accountable for its actions,” the embassy said.