The UK government has imposed sanctions on 85 individuals and entities linked to Russia’s alleged forced deportation and militarisation of Ukrainian children and interference with Armenian elections.
The sanctions target individuals associated with the Kremlin-backed Social Design Agency, which the UK says conducted influence operations designed to undermine support for Ukraine and interfere in Armenian elections.
Commenting on the measures, John Binns, Partner at BCL, noted that some designated "may hold assets or interests in the UK, in which case these measures may exert genuine coercive or constraining pressure. Experience has shown, however, that the practical impact of such designations is often arbitrary, and that the heaviest burden frequently falls on UK businesses required to implement and comply with the restrictions."
"In reality, the UK appears to be searching for visible ways to act - or at least to speak out - against such abhorrent behaviour, and sanctions are increasingly viewed as the easiest tool to hand," John added.
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