The United Kingdom has taken a decisive step in its ongoing efforts to pressure Russia, imposing sanctions on a staggering 22 Russian vessels, including 18 oil tankers and four liquefied natural gas vessels. This move, the most extensive sanctions yet against what’s known as the ‘shadow fleet,’ aims to cripple Russia’s ability to fund its ongoing war in Ukraine by circumventing Western restrictions on its oil exports.
The ‘shadow fleet’ is a network of vessels suspected of using illicit practices to avoid Western sanctions. These ships, often operating under flags of convenience and utilizing complex ownership structures, are believed to be involved in transporting Russian oil to countries that haven’t joined the sanctions regime. The UK’s move comes after a concerted international effort, with the United States and Canada joining a ‘call to action’ to tackle the ‘shadow fleet,’ which has been endorsed by 44 European nations.
Britain has been actively working with maritime authorities to demand that Russian vessels suspected of possessing dubious insurance provide detailed information on their insurance status when passing through the English Channel. The government has made it clear that any entity facilitating Russia’s activities could face sanctions.
This latest round of sanctions brings the total number of sanctioned Russian oil tankers to 43. The targeted tankers, including prominent vessels like the NS Bora, Atlas, and Moskovsky Prospect, are now barred from UK ports and denied access to British maritime services. The UK estimates that these tankers transported approximately 4.9 billion pounds worth of oil last year, representing a significant portion of Russia’s energy revenue.
Beyond targeting oil tankers, the UK also sanctioned the Russian gas company Rusgazdobycha JSC. The government stresses its commitment to countering Russia’s “malign activity” on multiple fronts, including illicit financial practices, cyberattacks, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Russia has dismissed the Western pressure to limit its oil exports, arguing that these sanctions are aimed at hindering its status as a reliable energy supplier. The country maintains its commitment to ensuring energy security and insists that its energy exports remain unaffected.
The UK’s latest sanctions signal its unwavering commitment to pressuring Russia and preventing its ability to finance its war effort. By targeting the ‘shadow fleet’ and key energy companies, the UK aims to further isolate Russia and limit its access to critical resources.