UK Announces Largest-Ever Sanctions On Russia’s Shadow Fleet Of Oil Tankers

The UK Government has rolled out its largest-ever sanctions package to date by targeting the shadow fleet of oil tankers used by Moscow to dodge international restrictions and fund its war in Ukraine.

Up to 100 oil tankers, believed to be part of President Vladimir Putin’s shadow fleet, are now under sanctions. Since the beginning of 2024, these vessels have carried more than $24 billion worth of oil, helping Russia bypass global sanctions and earn critical revenue for its ongoing military campaign.

According to the UK Government, this shadow fleet is not only funding the illegal invasion of Ukraine but also risking important undersea infrastructure across Europe.

Many of these aging tankers are accused of reckless sailing and are believed to be a direct threat to underwater cables and pipelines vital to modern life.

Officials say protecting this subsea infrastructure, which is used to carry 99% of global telecommunications and essential energy supplies like electricity, oil, and gas, has become a top priority.

The ships being sanctioned often lack proper safety certifications, ignore navigation technology, or deliberately switch off tracking systems, making them a high risk to critical infrastructure.

The Prime Minister stated that the UK will use every available tool to dismantle this shadow fleet and prevent further harm to infrastructure and the environment.

The announcement coincides with the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) summit taking place in Oslo, Norway, where leaders from ten northern European countries are meeting to discuss regional security.

A major point of discussion is the growing threat to undersea infrastructure from suspicious maritime activity.

In response to such threats, the JEF had earlier activated an advanced UK-led monitoring system called Nordic Warden in January. The system helps track potential dangers to underwater assets, especially after damage was reported to a major cable in the Baltic Sea.

Currently, 22 critical maritime zones, covering areas like the English Channel, North Sea, Kattegat, and the wider Baltic region are being closely monitored from the JEF’s operations center in Northwood, UK.

Officials said this is a clear message that those supporting Russia’s war will be held accountable, no matter where they operate.

A government spokesperson stated that Russia’s oil and gas revenue has already dropped significantly since 2022 due to ongoing Western sanctions.

In the last three years, Russia has lost over a third of its energy revenue and is also facing high inflation, increased defense spending, and a shrinking national wealth fund.

During the summit, JEF leaders are also expected to announce stronger partnerships with Ukraine. This includes military training programs, increased cooperation on defense technologies, and joint efforts to tackle disinformation.

This is Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s second visit to Norway. His first was in December 2024, when he traveled to Bergen to launch a Green Industrial Partnership with Norway. That agreement, signed this week by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, focused on expanding clean energy ties between the two countries.

Additionally, the UK and Norway are expected to sign a new memorandum of understanding focused on space domain awareness. This agreement will support intelligence sharing and improve the ability to monitor satellites, space debris, and other objects that may affect infrastructure in orbit.

The UK has also announced its first scheduled space launches from SaxaVord in the Shetland Islands later this year.

The Joint Expeditionary Force includes the UK as the lead nation along with Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. The group was formed to enhance regional security and rapid response capabilities among like-minded nations.

Reference: US Government

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