The UK has recently imposed sanctions on 135 oil tankers linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, aiming to disrupt the financial channels that aid Moscow in funding its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As the British foreign ministry states, this extensive crackdown is part of a broader effort to target a fleet “responsible for illicitly transporting $24 billion (€21bn) worth of cargo since the beginning of 2024.”
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Security analysts highlight that this aging fleet of vessels is often exploited by Russia to bypass international sanctions that restrict its oil sales. Since Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, hundreds of vessels have faced sanctions from the European Union and the UK alike.
This latest round of sanctions follows recent actions where “the UK and EU lowered the crude oil price cap, further disrupting the inflow of funds into Putin’s war chest,” as mentioned in the ministry’s statement. London has also targeted Intershipping Services LLC, a company accused of “registering shadow fleet vessels under the Gabonese flag,” and Litasco Middle East DMCC, which has ties to the Russian oil giant Lukoil and is involved in transporting significant volumes of Russian oil via these shadow fleet ships.
As British Foreign Secretary David Lammy aptly noted, “As Putin continues to stall and delay on serious peace talks, we will not stand idly by.” He affirmed the UK’s commitment, stating, “We will continue to use the full might of our sanctions regime to ratchet up economic pressure at every turn.”
Furthermore, the UK has initiated a 50-day campaign to arm Ukraine, responding to a challenge posed by US President Trump, who has given Moscow a similar timeframe to negotiate a peace deal with Kyiv. The UK also pledged to provide Ukraine with new military support, in collaboration with NATO allies, as the nation endures increasing aerial assaults from Russian forces.
In this ongoing struggle, it is clear that the international community remains steadfast in its resolve to hold Russia accountable for its actions and to support Ukraine in its time of need.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
