UK sanctions 35 people linked to Russia-backed trafficking of migrants for military deployment

British Minister of State for Europe Stephen Doughty. May 5/ SCREENSHOT

The United Kingdom has announced new sanctions against 35 individuals and entities linked to Russia’s exploitation of migrants and its drone manufacturing capabilities.

The measures, announced on Tuesday, 5 May, are aimed at disrupting Russia’s military supply chains and human trafficking networks that have been supporting its war in Ukraine.

Among those sanctioned is a key facilitator in trafficking Kenyan nationals into Russia.

Migrants were promised lucrative jobs but, upon arrival, were coerced into signing contracts with the Russian military.

They were then deployed with minimal training and under dire conditions to the frontlines.

The UK government described this practice as “barbaric,” noting that vulnerable people were being exploited to sustain Russia’s illegal war of aggression.

The sanctions also target another individual, whose company develops a drone described as cheap and mass‑produced, which has been used extensively in attacks on Ukraine.

The UK government stated that “Russia fired the equivalent of over 200 drones per day into Ukraine in March 2026, the highest ever monthly total.”

Officials added that Russia is likely to exceed this record for a second consecutive month in April.

Beyond Russia, the sanctions extend to individuals and entities in third countries, including Thailand and China, accused of supplying drone components and other critical military goods.

The UK emphasised that the measures are designed to “disrupt these supply chains and hold those responsible to account.”

These attacks rely on domestic manufacturers and foreign suppliers providing key components and technical support, which the sanctions aim to cut off.

The announcement marks the first use of the UK’s Global Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Persons (GIMTiPS) sanctions regime to tackle human trafficking and the instrumentalisation of migration.

The government highlighted its commitment to eradicating “all forms of modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking.”

Officials noted that the regime allows the UK to target individuals and entities anywhere in the world involved in people smuggling and human trafficking, as well as enablers such as financiers and companies involved in supply chains.

Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty underscored the broader significance of the measures, stating: “We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in defence of European security and our shared values.”

The UK pledged to continue using the full force of its sanctions powers to squeeze the Kremlin’s war machine and support Ukraine “for as long as it takes to secure a just and lasting peace.”