Britain has taken a significant step in its efforts to curb Russia's illicit activities by imposing sanctions on 30 ships in Russia's shadow fleet. These vessels have been evading restrictions to transport billions of dollars worth of petroleum, as confirmed by the Foreign Office on Monday. This move marks the largest sanctions package aimed at the fleet of unauthorized and often dilapidated ships that are operating illegally to circumvent sanctions.
The United Kingdom has now sanctioned a total of 73 tankers, the highest number sanctioned by any nation, in a bid to disrupt a key funding source for Moscow's military actions in Ukraine. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaking at a G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Italy, emphasized the role of Russia's oil revenues in fueling the conflict in Ukraine and reiterated the UK's commitment to targeting both the ships and those facilitating their operations in defiance of European and UK sanctions.
According to a statement from the Foreign Office, half of the sanctioned ships have collectively transported over 3.4 billion pounds ($4.3 billion) worth of oil and oil products in the past year. Additionally, two insurers have been sanctioned for their involvement in supporting the fleet's activities.
The decision to impose sanctions on the shadow fleet aligns with the agreement reached by leaders at the European Political Community summit in July to intensify measures against these vessels. By taking action against these rogue ships and their enablers, the UK aims to disrupt the flow of resources that are contributing to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
