On Friday, OFSI amended 1 entity under the Russia sanctions program:
Category: OFSI (UK)
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Today, OFSI published the following blog post about how it prioritizes licensing applications:
How OFSI Prioritises Licence Applications
OFSI remains committed to a transparent, fair and effective licensing process. Publishing this prioritisation framework is part of our continuing efforts to ensure that applicants understand how we assess cases and what they can do to support timely decision‑making.
OFSI receives a wide variety of licence applications each year, ranging from urgent humanitarian requests to complex commercial transactions. In the financial year 2024-2025, OFSI took over 900 licensing decisions. It is not possible to deal with all applications as soon as they are received. Publishing our prioritisation framework aims to help applicants understand how OFSI manages competing demands and how applications are prioritised.
Each licence application is assessed against seven criteria as set out below. These criteria help caseworkers understand urgency, risk, stakeholder impact and possible harm caused by delay. Applications are then categorised as high, medium or low priority.
While the framework provides structure, OFSI caseworkers continue to use professional judgement and may adjust prioritisation where circumstances require a different approach. Additionally, even if a licence application is prioritised as urgent, complexities may mean it still takes time to complete. Applicants should therefore submit licence applications well in advance of when they are needed, wherever possible.
The Criteria
1. Nature of the licensing purpose
Humanitarian applications, basic needs, or anything where delay could significantly affect access to justice (i.e. where there are court dates which must be complied with) are generally treated as high priority.
Generally, you won’t be prohibited from providing legal advice under an asset freeze. However, the payment for legal services and the provision of legal services on credit do require an OFSI licence. On that basis, applications may not immediately be considered as a high priority. OFSI has issued a Legal Services General Licence to allow payments for legal fees within certain limits and under certain conditions. It is recommended that you consult the Legal Services General Licence prior to an application to OFSI to determine whether that General Licence would be applicable to you.
2. Materiality to the applicant or affected parties
OFSI assesses how significant the application is in real terms. This includes the applicant’s circumstances, the size of the transaction relative to their means, and whether delay would result in economic loss.
3. Timing considerations
Applications may be prioritised where a decision is genuinely time‑sensitive, where delays would cause harm, or where the application has already been outstanding for a significant period.
4. UK economic impact
Applications that may affect UK jobs, business continuity or wider economic welfare may be prioritised.
5. Administrative impact on OFSI
Some cases may affect OFSI’s ability to progress other applications — for example, those forming part of a series of related applications.
6. Reputational or strategic impact
Applications may be prioritised where delay could undermine confidence in the UK sanctions regime, affect relationships with key partners, or have significant implications for foreign policy, national security or energy security.
7. Complexity of the application
Complex or precedent‑setting cases may require more time and scrutiny. These may be prioritised to ensure consistent and robust decision-making. However, even when a case is prioritised in accordance with this criterion, an application may still take time to complete.
How the criteria work in practice
High‑priority cases generally meet at least two of the criteria at a high level -humanitarian cases, or cases where a risk to life has been demonstrated, are almost always classified as high priority. Medium‑priority cases demonstrate a moderate level of impact across several criteria. Low‑priority applications generally show limited impact in most areas.
Caseworkers may adjust priority where individual circumstances justify doing so.
These criteria only assist in the prioritisation of applications and do not create an automatic right to priority or expediency. The outcome of this assessment does not affect the outcome of the application and there may still be a number of applications which have been categorised with the same urgency.
How applicants can support the process
Applicants can help OFSI process their applications more efficiently by submitting clear, complete and well‑evidenced information. Here are some steps that will help:
- Provide a clear legal basis
Applicants should set out the specific licensing ground that applies and explain how their circumstances meet it.
- Include all required information upfront
Missing or unclear information is one of the most common causes of delay. Applicants should provide evidence of urgency, where applicable, to assist in the prioritisation of applications.
- Avoid repeat or speculative applications
Submitting an application again without new information, or submitting entirely speculative applications “just in case”, may delay processing and is unlikely to result in the case being prioritised as high priority. You may wish to seek legal advice in advance of making an application and check whether any General Licences apply to your situation.
- Highlight genuine deadlines
Where a deadline exists—such as a court date or risk of hardship—applicants should clearly explain and evidence this in their application.
- Use OFSI’s online application form
Using OFSI’s online application form will ensure that cases are received by the correct team as early as possible and could prevent any additional delays
OFSI is unable to provide legal advice to applicants and if you are in any doubt, you should seek independent legal advice in relation to the matters raised. You may also wish to consult OFSI’s other guidance products, such as:
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OFSI General Licence INT/2025/8031092 amended and 1 FAQ amended
On 25 February 2026, the General Licence INT/2025/8031092 was amended, the expiry date was extended to 25 August 2026.
Any persons intending to use General Licence INT/2025/8031092 should consult the copy of the Licence for full details of the permissions and usage requirements.
FAQ 174 was also amended to reflect the amendment of the general licence.
The General License:
The FAQ:
174.Can business operations with Lukoil International GmbH continue as normal with regard to UK financial sanctions?
On 15 October 2025, the UK designated PJSC Oil Company Lukoil (“Lukoil”) under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (“the Russia Regulations”). Lukoil is consequently subject to financial sanctions, as are entities owned or controlled by Lukoil.
OFSI notes the ongoing negotiations on the sale of PJSC Lukoil’s international assets.
In that context, on 27 November 2025 OFSI issued General Licence INT/2025/8031092. This GL permits the continuation of business with respect to Lukoil International GmbH (“Lukoil International”) which is a subsidiary of PJSC Lukoil and subsidiaries of Lukoil International.
Users of General Licence INT/2025/8031092 should carefully consider all relevant conditions, in particular those relating to payments made to Lukoil International and/ or Lukoil International subsidiaries.
In line with OFSI licensing practice the expiry date of General Licence INT/2025/8031092 is set out in the amended licence document. Any renewal of General Licence INT/2025/8031092 would be considered in the context of the ongoing negotiations on the sale of PJSC Lukoil’s international assets.
HM Treasury may vary, revoke or suspend General Licence INT/2025/8031092 at any time.
Amended on: 25 Feb 2026
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OSFI’s additions:
And the UN Press Release:
Security Council 1591 Sanctions Committee Adds Four Entries to Its Sanctions List
On 24 February 2026, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) concerning the Sudan approved the addition of the entries specified below to its Sanctions List of individuals and entities subject to the measures imposed by the Security Council and adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations.
A. Individuals
SDi.007 Name: 1: GEDO 2: HAMDAN 3: AHMED Title: NA Designation: Commander for the North Darfur section of the Rapid Support Forces DOB: NA POB: NA Good quality a.k.a.: Abu Nashuk Low quality a.k.a.: NA Nationality: Sudan Passport no: NA National identification no: NA Address: NA Listed on: 24 Feb. 2026 Other information: Gender: Male
SDi.008 Name: 1: ABDUL 2: RAHIM 3: HAMDAN 4: DAGALO Title: NA Designation: Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Deputy Leader DOB: 1 Jan. 1972 POB: Khartoum, Sudan Good quality a.k.a.: NA Low quality a.k.a.: NA Nationality: Sudan Passport no: NA National identification no: NA Address: NA Listed on: 24 Feb. 2026 Other information: Gender: Male
INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice web link: https://www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/View-UN-Notices-Individuals
SDi.009 Name: 1: AL-FATEH 2: ABDULLAH 3: IDRIS Title: NA Designation: Brigadier General of Rapid Support Forces DOB: NA POB: NA Good quality a.k.a.: Abu Lulu Low quality a.k.a.: NA Nationality:Sudan Passport no: NA National identification no: NA Address: NA Listed on: 24 Feb. 2026 Other information: Gender: Male
SDi.010 Name: 1: TIJANI 2: IBRAHIM 3: MOUSSA 4: MOHAMED Title: NA Designation: Field Commander of the Rapid Support Forces DOB: NA POB: NA Good quality a.k.a.: Al Zeir Salem Low quality a.k.a.: NA Nationality: Sudan Passport no: NA National identification no: NA Address: NAListed on: 24 Feb. 2026 Other information: Gender: Male
The Committee has made accessible on its website the narrative summary of reasons for listing of the above entry, at the following URL: https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/sanctions/1591/materials/summaries.
Press releases concerning changes to the Committee’s Sanctions List may be found in the “Press Releases” section on the Committee’s website at the following URL: https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/sanctions/1591/press-releases.
The updated version of the Committee’s Sanctions List, available in HTML, PDF and XML format, may be found at the following URL: https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/sanctions/1591/materials.
The United Nations Security Council Consolidated List is also updated following all changes made to the Committee’s Sanctions List and is accessible at the following URL: https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/un-sc-consolidated-list.
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From OFSI’s blog:
Sanctions compliance in practice: lessons from OFSI’s £160,000 Bank of Scotland penalty
OFSI, 23 February 2026 – OFSI Blog
In January 2026, OFSI published the details of an £160,000 monetary penalty imposed on Bank of Scotland Plc, a subsidiary of the Lloyds Banking Group, for breaching the Russia financial sanctions regime.
The lessons in this case go beyond one bank and one customer. OFSI’s published outcomes demonstrate how OFSI assesses breaches, the circumstances surrounding them, and how weaknesses in screening, escalation and training are taken into account when breaches have occurred. These lessons can help firms better understand how to run sanctions controls in practice, and how weaknesses in screening, escalation and training can expose firms to the risk of breaching.
UK financial sanctions apply to any conduct in the UK and to all UK persons (including UK legal entities) anywhere in the world.
Lesson 1: Screening data and configuration really matter
OFSI strongly encourages firms to utilise all information available to them to optimise sanctions controls relative to their risk. Firms are advised to assess and employ appropriate resources to enhance the effectiveness of such systems.
In this case, Lloyds Banking Group had taken measures to implement sanctions screening. However, its automated sanctions systems failed to detect a spelling variation of a designated individual’s name.
What this means for you:
- Ask whether your screening can cope with spelling and transliteration variants.
- Where your risk justifies it, consider enriched screening and commercial list providers alongside the new UK Sanctions List.
Lesson 2: Automation is not a safety net
This case illustrates that there are inherent risks associated with automated sanctions screening. It is essential that firms establish robust and explicit contingency procedures.
Internal policies should provide robust and explicit guidance to staff regarding the escalation of potential sanctions concerns. This is particularly pertinent for areas of business that are more exposed to sanctions risk, such as those involving Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).
What this means for you:
- Make sure front‑line teams know when to escalate, who to contact and how – not just that they “should escalate”.
Lesson 3: Training must match today’s sanctions landscape
The sanctions landscape has evolved significantly since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and continues to develop with ever-shifting geopolitical events. It is imperative that all training and associated materials relating to sanctions are regularly reviewed and updated.
What this means for you:
- Training content must be regularly reviewed and updated to accurately reflect relevant regulatory and geographical developments to ensure continued compliance.
Lesson 4: Voluntary disclosure can shape the outcome
This case is an example of prompt, voluntary disclosure of a potential breach. Lloyds Banking Group, on behalf of Bank of Scotland, made an initial notification within two weeks of identifying a potential breach. OFSI seeks to reward prompt and complete voluntary disclosures through penalty discounts, which alongside co-operation can result in a discount of up to 30% under new guidance.
What this means for you:
- You should report suspected breaches to OFSI as soon as practicable.
- Where full disclosure is not possible, a person should make an early disclosure with partial information on the basis that they are still working out the facts and will make a further and full disclosure as soon as possible.
- Reporting breaches protects the integrity of financial sanctions and assists government and law enforcement agencies in tackling serious crime.
What firms should do next
This case shows that OFSI is focused not only on whether firms have sanctions controls, but on how effectively those controls operate in practice. From the way screening data is configured, to how concerns are escalated, how often training is refreshed, and how quickly potential breaches are reported.
Firms with UK touchpoints, including those operating internationally, should:
- review their sanctions screening, escalation procedures and training considering these lessons
- ensure they understand and comply with their reporting obligations, including reporting “as soon as practicable” where required.
You can read the full penalty notice here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/imposition-of-monetary-penalty-bank-of-scotland-plc
Further information and guidance on reporting information to OFSI is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/office-of-financial-sanctions-implementation
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OFSI General Licence INT/2024/4761108 amended
On 23 February 2026, the General Licence INT/2024/4761108 was amended to:
- Amend the definition of “Person”.
- Include the definition of “Individual”, “Entity”, “UK Bank Account”, “Non-UK Bank Account” and “UK DP”.
- Include a new separate permission that allows an Entity to make use of the retail banking services of a designated Credit or Financial Institution to make or receive a payment of for the personal use of an individual, provided the account at the final institution in the chain of payments to which the payment is processed is a UK Bank Account or a Non-UK Bank Account.
- For the avoidance of doubt, the intended payments under this new permission remain exclusively for personal purposes and do not include payments for business or commercial activities. Possible examples of permitted payments include, but are not limited to, payments from or to entities for tuition fees, accommodation costs, pension, or living expenses.
- No payment is permitted under this General Licence if the payment relates to the provision of goods or services for commercial purposes.
- Increase the cumulative limit of permitted payments from £50,000 to £55,000.
- Extend the expiry date of the licence to 23:59 on 23 February 2028.
- The reporting requirements have been amended.
Any persons intending to use General Licence INT/2024/4761108 should consult the copy of the Licence for full details of the permissions and usage requirements.
The amended General Licence:
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OFSI General Licence INT/2026/8893924 and OFSI General Licence INT/2026/8889196 issued and OFSI General Licence INT/2025/5635700 amended
On 24 February 2026, the General Licence INT/2026/8893924, Maritime Mutual Re-Insurance Wind Down was issued. The General Licence allows for the winding down of insurance policies written by Maritime Mutual entities and their subsidiaries before their designation.
Any persons intending to use General Licence INT/2026/8893924 should consult the copy of the Licence for full details of the definition, permissions, and usage requirements.
The General Licence:
On 24 February 2026, the General Licence INT/2026/8889196, PJSC Transneft Wind Down was issued. The General Licence allows for Persons to wind down from any transactions involving the DP to which that Person is a party.
Any persons intending to use General Licence INT/2026/8889196 should consult the copy of the Licence for full details of the definition, permissions, and usage requirements.
The General Licence:
On 24 February 2026, the General Licence INT/2025/5635700, Russian Oil Exempt Projects was amended to include any entity owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by PJSC Transneft, following their designation by the UK. Additionally, Schedule 1 of the General Licence was amended to add the Druzhba Pipeline.
Any persons intending to use General Licence INT/2025/5635700 should consult the copy of the Licence for full details of the definition, permissions, and usage requirements
The amended General Licence:
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Happy Anniversary! UK sanctions 7 persons, 240 entities and 50 cargo vessels under Russian sanctions
The press release:
UK announces biggest sanctions package against Russia four years on from full-scale invasion of Ukraine
The UK has announced a landmark sanctions package, cutting off critical oil revenues and further degrading the Kremlin’s ability to wage its illegal war.
From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP
Published. 24 February 2026
- Nearly 300 new sanctions announced as UK cracks down on critical Russian energy revenues, including oil exports, and key suppliers of military equipment fuelling war efforts.
- Russian Oil revenues are now at their lowest since 2020 as the UK and international partners continue to ratchet up pressure on Putin’s flailing war machine.
- News comes as the Foreign Secretary is in Kyiv announcing new support for Ukrainian resilience.
The package, the largest since the early months of the invasion in 2022, comes four years on from Putin’s barbaric full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Today’s action targets one of the world’s largest oil pipeline companies, PJSC Transneft, responsible for transporting over 80% of Russian oil exports, further hampering the Kremlin’s desperate scramble to find buyers for its sanctioned oil.
So far international sanctions have deprived Putin of over $450 billion – the equivalent of two more years of funding for his illegal war. Since this time last year, Russia’s economy has stagnated and their revenue streams have been in freefall, with oil revenues at their lowest since 2020. Scrambling to make up for lost revenues, the Kremlin has been forced to hike taxes for ordinary Russians, including VAT and corporation tax.
New measures also hit Russia’s dark web of illicit oil traders, sanctioning 175 companies in the ‘2Rivers’ oil network, one of the largest shadow fleet operators globally and a major trader of Russian crude oil.
Deterring, disrupting and degrading the Russian shadow fleet remains a priority for this government, and this latest swathe of sanctions includes 48 oil tankers transporting oil as part of the Kremlin’s desperate attempt to soften the blow of crushing sanctions. To the Kremlin and those seeking to profit from this illicit trade, the message is clear – Russian oil is off the market.
The UK has now sanctioned over 3,000 individuals, businesses and ships under its Russia regime. The Foreign Secretary is visiting Kyiv today where she has also announced a new package of military, humanitarian and reconstruction support for Ukraine.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:
Russia is now four years into what Putin believed would be a three-day invasion. As the Kremlin continues its barbaric assault against innocent civilians that have suffered their most brutal winter in a decade, the courage and determination of the Ukrainian people endures.
The UK has today taken decisive action to disrupt the critical financing, military equipment and revenue streams that sustain Russia’s aggression, in our largest raft of measures since the early months of the invasion.
Today I’m in Kyiv announcing £30 million in funding to strengthen Ukrainian energy resilience and support recovery, taking the total UK support to £21.8 billion since the start of the war.
We will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine and defend European security - Ukraine’s security is our security.
UK sanctions are ramping up the pressure on Putin’s economy and war machine. Putin’s war economy is faltering, and its revenues are in freefall.
Today’s action also clamps down on:
- 49 entities and individuals involved in sustaining Russia’s war machine, including international suppliers that are providing the vital goods, components and technology in Russian drones and other weapons terrorising innocent Ukrainian civilians.
- 3 civil nuclear energy companies and 2 individuals involved in trying to secure contracts for new Russian nuclear installations overseas, opening up additional energy revenue streams to make up for plummeting oil revenues.
- 6 targets in Russia’s beleaguered Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) industry including ships, traders and Russia’s Portovaya and Vysotsk terminals responsible for exporting Russian LNG.
- 9 Russian banks which process cross-border payments vital to Russia’s attempts to cling on to access to international markets and help finance the Kremlin’s war effort.
Today the UK has also announced over £30 million to strengthen Ukrainian resilience after a brutal winter of Russian strikes plunging civilians into freezing darkness. Over £25 million will deliver repairs to damaged energy infrastructure, and support the men, women and children whose lives continue to be uprooted by Russia’s aggression. A further £5 million is helping to drive justice and accountability for victims of alleged Russian war crimes.
As the world marks this grim milestone, the UK is advocating for our Ukrainian allies on the world stage, with Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty rallying partners around the push for a just and lasting peace at the UN Security Council in New York.
Every missile and drone that strikes Ukraine only strengthens our resolve. Putin thinks that he can outlast the UK and our allies, he is sorely mistaken.
Notes to editors
- The information in this press release was correct on the date of publication. View the UK Sanctions List for the current list of those subject to sanctions.
- Please see here for a full list of today’s targets.
Media enquiries
Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk
Telephone 020 7008 3100
Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.
And the update: