UK firms to face tougher checks on export licences to bolster sanctions on Russia

News follows Guardian report on licence given to British firm exporting machinery to Armenian firm linked to Russian war effort

British firms will face much tougher" controls to prevent their goods from reaching Russia via other countries, undermining sanctions and aiding Vladimir Putin's assault on Ukraine.

Under plans to be unveiled on Wednesday, the government will be able to require UK manufacturers to obtain a licence if they want to export to a country suspected of acting as a staging post for exports ultimately destined for Russia.