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 associated companies used to secretly transport Russian oil and evade existing international restrictions.
These measures are designed to disrupt the flow of oil revenue that funds Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine, with UK officials describing the move as a direct hit to President Putin’s financial resources. The sanctioned tankers have reportedly moved $24 billion worth of oil since early 2024, highlighting the scale of the operation. The crackdown also includes sanctions on shipping and trading firms linked to the shadow fleet, and is part of a broader Western effort, alongside the EU, to tighten enforcement and close loopholes in the sanctions regime.
Analysts note that while enforcement remains challenging, these actions signal a significant escalation in attempts to curtail Russia’s ability to finance its military activities.
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