UK Updates Russia Sanctions, Licensing Guidance

The U.K.'s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation updated its Russia sanctions guidance on licenses that permit conduct otherwise barred by regulation 54C. Regulation 54C covers the provision of "accounting, advertising, architectural, auditing, business and management consulting, engineering, IT consultancy and design and public relations services," to a person linked with Russia, the EU Sanctions blog reported. The guidance clarifies that a license may be granted under this regulation "if it is necessary for ensuring critical energy supply to any country."