UK to investigate legality of Russian aircraft purchases

The UK government has launched an investigation into a possible sanctions violation after it emerged that nearly half of imports from Russia during the first six months of 2025 consisted of aviation equipment.

According to Ukrinform, The Observer reported this in an article.

"The government is trying to establish whether a multi-million-pound purchase of aircraft from Russia broke the UK's sanctions regime," the article reads.

Official data show that imports from Russia increased by 21.2% compared to last year, reaching GBP 80 million (about $105 million). Of this amount, GBP 36.3 million ($47.8 million) was spent on aviation products, though the exact nature of the items has not been disclosed.

It is currently unknown who made the purchases.

The UK government is now investigating whether the deal was permissible under the UK's sanctions regime, which bans the purchase of aviation goods and technology and "goods which generate significant revenues for Russia."

Officials recalled that breaching these restrictions is an offence punishable through large financial penalties or even criminal prosecution. This is thought to be the first time aircraft have been imported from Russia to the UK since sanctions were imposed as a result of the invasion of Ukraine.

The UK maintains a ban on importing helicopters, aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicles, and engines from Russia. The restrictions also apply to iron and steel products manufactured in Russia or made from Russian materials in third countries.

As Ukrinform reported, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced new sanctions against major Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, calling on Moscow to immediately agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.