UK updates Russia sanctions entry for Viatcheslav Kantor

LONDON, March 16, 2026 — The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it updated the UK sanctions list on Monday with a variation to the entry for Viatcheslav Kantor under the Russia sanctions regime, while leaving the businessman subject to existing restrictions.

The notice said Kantor remains subject to an asset freeze, trust services sanctions and a director disqualification sanction under The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. It said the director disqualification sanction was imposed on April 9, 2025, and the trust services sanctions on March 21, 2023.

The updated entry revises the UK statement of reasons tied to Kantor’s designation. The notice describes him as a prominent Russian businessman associated with President Vladimir Putin and says the Secretary of State has reasonable grounds to suspect he is involved through his role as chairman of the coordinating board of fertilizer producer PJSC Acron and as its largest shareholder.

According to the notice, Acron operates in Russia’s chemicals and extractives sectors, which Britain considers strategically significant to the Russian government. The UK said that, on that basis, Kantor is involved in obtaining a benefit from or supporting the Government of Russia.