EU and UK Impose New Sanctions on Russia's Shadow Fleet of Oil Tankers
The EU targets 189 ships in Russia's shadow fleet as part of fresh sanctions aimed at combatting illicit oil transport amidst the Ukraine war.
Overview
The European Union and United Kingdom have enacted new sanctions against nearly 200 ships part of Russia's shadow fleet, which is illicitly transporting oil to bypass Western restrictions. These measures, aimed at crippling revenue streams, include asset freezes and travel bans on officials. The EU's latest crackdown increases the total number of targeted vessels to nearly 350, as concerns grow about the fleet's safety practices and its connection to military and information operations supporting Russia. The ongoing conflict has driven renewed calls for a ceasefire and lasting peace talks.
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Analysis
- The EU and UK have initiated additional sanctions against Russia, specifically targeting nearly 200 ships from the shadow fleet involved in transporting oil illicitly.
- The sanctions aim to pressure Russia's military and economic capabilities, as they have been linked to attacks on civilian areas in Ukraine and the continued conflict with the country.
- The EU and UK foreign officials emphasize that the sanctions are necessary to hold accountable those who support Russia's actions and to continue applying pressure until a ceasefire is achieved.
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Newsmax·1M·FAQ
The 'shadow fleet' refers to a group of nearly 350 Russian oil tankers that are used illicitly to transport oil and bypass Western sanctions, often consisting of older vessels operating with reckless safety practices and links to military and information operations supporting Russia.
The latest sanctions target nearly 200 ships by the European Union, with the UK sanctioning up to 100 oil tankers, bringing the total targeted vessels close to 350.
The sanctions include asset freezes, travel bans on officials connected to the shadow fleet, blacklisting of nearly 200 oil tankers, and targeting companies that supply goods to Russia’s military or are involved in hybrid warfare operations.
The shadow fleet is significant because it carries illicit Russian oil exports worth over $24 billion since early 2024, providing key revenue to Russia’s war economy while posing threats to European critical infrastructure and the environment due to poor safety practices.
The sanctions aim to cripple Russia’s revenue streams from illicit oil exports, increase pressure on its economy amid the war, and push Russia towards agreeing to ceasefire and peace negotiations in Ukraine.
History
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