The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on Otar Partskhaladze and Levan Vasadze, according to a statement released by the UK Foreign Office.

The UK’s new sanctions package targets “supporters in Georgia linked to Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.”

“As Russia’s military situation deteriorates, the Kremlin is more actively seeking puppets in third countries, including Georgia, to assist in its war and propaganda operations.

Two oil tankers have been sanctioned for transporting Russian oil through Georgia’s Batumi port as part of the ‘shadow fleet’—a collection of aging and dangerous vessels that the Kremlin desperately uses to maintain energy revenues, which are the primary source of funding for Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine…

Georgian politician and media magnate Levan Vasadze is targeted for using his platforms to spread pro-Russian disinformation. Businessman Otar Partskhaladze, who has extensive ties to Russia and to the highest levels of the ‘Georgian Dream’ party, has also been sanctioned,” the statement reads.

“Putin’s war machine relies on an international network to spread lies and finance this network. We are cutting off another vital lifeline in Georgia by targeting and restraining those who aid Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. The Kremlin should have no doubt: the United Kingdom will continue to expose Putin’s network of supporters,” said Stephen Doughty, UK Minister of State for Europe, North America, and Overseas Territories.