The United Kingdom has imposed a major new round of sanctions targeting Russia’s so-called 'shadow fleet'—a network of 135 oil tankers and two Russian-linked companies used to secretly transport oil and evade existing international restrictions.
These measures are designed to disrupt the flow of oil revenue that funds Russia’s war effort in Ukraine, with the UK government estimating that these tankers have moved $24 billion worth of oil since early 2024. The sanctions also target shipping and trading firms facilitating these operations, and are part of a broader Western effort, including the EU, to clamp down on the infrastructure supporting Russia’s illicit oil trade. Analysts say the shadow fleet relies on aging vessels and questionable insurance, raising concerns about maritime safety and regulatory enforcement.
The move is expected to impact global shipping markets and further tighten the economic pressure on the Kremlin.
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