25 February 2026
The Tactics Institute for Security and Counter-Terrorism welcomes the decision by the Government of the United Kingdom to introduce a major new Russia sanctions package on 24 February 2026, targeting global commercial networks sustaining Russia’s war economy.
The Institute notes with particular approval the United Kingdom’s decision to designate entities operating from the United Arab Emirates, especially companies linked to the Dubai-headquartered energy trading group 2Rivers and its associated corporate network, including:
• Novus Middle East DMCC
• Apeiron Energy DMCC
• Pontus Trading DMCC
• Vetus Investments Limited
• Matterhorn Group FZE
• Alpen Energy LLC
• Voliton DMCC
• Bellatrix Energy
The Tactics Institute emphasizes that these designations reflect growing international recognition that sanctions evasion has evolved into a sophisticated transnational system relying on commercial intermediaries, maritime logistics platforms, and opaque free-zone corporate structures.
Importantly, the Institute confirms that these risks were outlined in detail in a major policy report prepared by the Tactics Institute and formally briefed to UK Government officials and Members of Parliament entitled:
“Why the UAE is Becoming a Liability: The Case of Russian Sanctions Evasion.”
The report warned that segments of the UAE’s trading, shipping, and energy infrastructure were increasingly being exploited to facilitate sanctioned Russian oil flows, shadow-fleet operations, and financial opacity undermining Western sanctions enforcement.
Dr. Andreas Markou, Director of the Tactics Institute for Security and Counter-Terrorism, stated:
“The United Kingdom’s latest sanctions demonstrate that evidence-based policy engagement works. Our briefings highlighted how commercial ecosystems operating from Dubai were enabling large-scale sanctions circumvention. The UK has now taken an important first step, but further action remains necessary.”
In light of continuing evidence gathered through Institute research, the Tactics Institute calls upon the UK Government to expand its sanctions framework to include entities assessed to have played a direct enabling role in logistics and energy flows connected to sanctioned Russian trade, including:
• DP World (Dubai Ports Company)
• Abu Dhabi National Oil Company
The Tactics Institute assesses that targeting critical logistical and energy facilitators is essential to closing remaining enforcement gaps and preventing the continued use of Gulf commercial infrastructure for sanctions evasion.
The Institute further urges enhanced coordination between the United Kingdom, European partners, and Gulf authorities to strengthen beneficial ownership transparency, maritime monitoring, and compliance oversight within international energy trading hubs.
The Tactics Institute for Security and Counter-Terrorism reiterates its commitment to supporting democratic governments in countering hybrid economic threats, illicit financial networks, and geopolitical destabilization linked to sanctions circumvention.
Media Contact:
Tactics Institute for Security and Counter-Terrorism
Press Office
About the Tactics Institute
The Tactics Institute for Security and Counter-Terrorism is an independent research and policy organization specializing in hybrid threats, terrorism financing, sanctions enforcement, and transnational security risk analysis.
