The UK has tightened sanctions on Russian airlines, preventing the sale of landing slots at British airports worth around £50 million.
This latest measure aimed at stifling the flow of cash to Vladimir Putin’s economy will hit national carrier Aeroflot, along with Ural and Rossiya Airlines.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “Every economic sanction reinforces our clear message to Putin – we will not stop until Ukraine prevails.”
They will now be blocked from selling off the unused landing slots they have.
Ms Truss said: “As long as Putin continues his barbarous assault on Ukraine, we will continue to target the Russian economy.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The UK was one of the first nations to implement sanctions on Putin and his allies; we forbade entrance to their ships and planes, strangling them of the privilege to benefit from global trade and commerce.
“Today, the UK Government has built on the strong action we have already taken against Russia’s flagship carrier Aeroflot, along with Rossiya and Ural Airlines.
“This means they will be unable to use their expensive landing slots at UK airports. Our actions will also prevent Russia from selling the slots, and cashing in on up to £50 million.”
Meanwhile, a British defence intelligence update suggested a culture of cover-ups and scapegoating was hampering the Russian military effort in Ukraine.
The Ministry of Defence said a number of senior Russian commanders deemed to have performed poorly had already been fired.
“A culture of cover-ups and scapegoating is probably prevalent within the Russian military and security system,” the MoD said.
