Shadow fleet of Russia to be hit with UK sanctions

Admin

May 9, 2025
3 min read

Shadow fleet of Russia to be hit with UK sanctions

A fleet of Russian oil tankers, labelled Putin’s “shadow fleet” are to be hit with sanctions from the UK. The tankers have been used to avoid existing sanctions on oil and gas exports, and will be hit with additional restrictions.

The move, Downing Street has said, would be taken against up to 100 ships, carrying over £18 billion worth of cargo since early 2024. The Prime Minster is expected to make an announcement at a summit of northern European leaders in Oslo, known as the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). The UK will do all it can to “destroy” Putin’s “shadow fleet operation, starve his war machine of oil revenues, and protect the subsea infrastructure,” Starmer said.

Anti-Tank Mines to be Laid on Lithuania-Russia Border

Tensions rise as Lithuania prepares defensive measures along its border with Russia.

Military Spending: Germany Rises to World’s Fourth Largest

Germany’s military budget continues to grow amid global instability and NATO commitments.

Internet Blackout Fears After Alleged Attacks on Undersea Cables

Concerns grow over cybersecurity and infrastructure following reported sabotage of global internet lines.

Russian energy has been hit with sanctions since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Imports have been limited and the price of Russian oil has been capped. To circumvent this, Russia has created what has been known as a “shadow fleet” of tankers, with the movements, as well as ownership of the fleet being obscured.

This has been “bankrolling the Kremlin’s illegal war in Ukraine,” Downing Street says, labelling the ships “decrepit and dangerous” and accusing them of “reckless seafaring.” This comes after reports of damage to major undersea cables in the Baltic Sea.

The sanctioned tankers will be banned from UK ports and run the risk of being detained in British waters. Every step to increase pressure on Russia and works towards peace, according to the Prime Minster, “is another step towards security and prosperity in the UK.”

Stay tuned to EyeOnLondon for the latest news and expert opinions.