UK sanctions Sibur, Slavneft in new wave of energy sanctions

LONDON, November 12, 2026 — The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office imposed asset freezes, trust services restrictions, director disqualification and transport sanctions on the companies. The action falls under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, which underpin Britain’s sanctions regime responding to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

The companies are Sibur Holding, Slavneft, Nipigazpererabotka, Siberian Coal Energy Company, known as SUEK, Kuzbassrazrezugol and Rosneft subsidiary Vostok Oil, alongside Dubai-based Forteza Trading DMCC, Patera FZCO and Novus Energy DMCC. Britain cited suspected support for, or benefits from, the Russian government through their energy and extractives businesses. The government specifically cited Novus Energy’s dealings with ships already under sanctions as part of its reasons for designation.

Sibur describes itself as Russia’s leading producer of polymers and rubbers, supplying industries including construction, agriculture, medicine and vehicle manufacturing. Rosneft said Vostok Oil’s first cargo was loaded at the Arctic port of Bukhta Sever on Sept. 6. It said the project’s main pipeline was designed to carry 100 million metric tons annually. Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin projected that the development could ship up to 50 million metric tons of oil by 2030. SIBUR

The vessels comprise LNG tankers Melicertes, Neleus, Perle, Aeolus and Oneiroi; oil-carrying ships Apeks, Sara Sky, Balu 6, Yvika and Alma; and Koryak FSU. Seven entries expressly impose trade sanctions. Shipping restrictions include British port bans and detention powers. Where applicable, the additional trade prohibitions restrict technical assistance, crewing, operating, chartering, brokering and financial services, as well as services connected with acquiring, selling or transferring the ships. The trade measures also restrict procuring services involving a specified vessel. Their application depends on each ship’s listing, according to government guidance.

The asset freezes generally prohibit dealing with the companies’ funds or economic resources, or making funds or resources available to them, unless an exception or license permits it. Restrictions can extend to businesses they own or control even when those businesses are not separately named. The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation requires relevant assets to be frozen and reported, with financial assets including shares, bonds and other securities. Control can also arise through board appointment powers or the ability to direct a company’s affairs. The rules apply within Britain and to British nationals and incorporated entities worldwide.

The notice also removes Novus Energy DMCC as a name variation from Altrum Group FZCO’s existing entry while separately designating Novus. Altrum, designated in December 2025, remains sanctioned, with Novus Middle East DMCC retained as a name variation.