The United Kingdom is intensifying its fight against Russian oil aggression by imposing extensive sanctions on the so-called “shadow fleet” of Russia, which consists of approximately 100 oil tankers operating covertly to help the Kremlin circumvent Western restrictions
This is the most significant measure in recent years as part of efforts to counter Russia’s oil campaign, aiming to strike at key elements of the so-called "black logistics" of the Russian Federation and put increased pressure on Putin in the context of the Ukraine war. According to a UK government press release dated May 9, this new sanctions package covers 100 vessels, representing a substantial increase of about 75% from previous restrictions. The government emphasizes that these tankers have become the hub of schemes enabling Russia to continue exporting oil and petroleum products while avoiding international sanctions. Since the beginning of 2023 alone, these ships have transported goods worth over $24 billion for Moscow, confirming that despite Western pressure, the Russian oil industry remains a vital source of income for the Kremlin. "Every step we take to strengthen sanctions is a step towards our country’s security and regional stability," stated UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, adding that these measures will not only target the "shadow fleet" of oil tankers but also help reduce financial flows supporting Russian aggression. London officials say the primary goal is not only to impose financial restrictions on these ships but also to hold accountable those behind organizing illegal oil shipments, including companies and individuals shielding this activity. Explaining the core issue, officials note that the Russian president uses the "shadow fleet" to sustain and increase oil revenues, which remain a main income source for Russia despite sanctions. They highlight that since 2022, Russia’s revenues from oil and gas sales have fallen by more than a third, significantly impacting the country’s economic situation. At the same time, the UK government expresses concern about the technical condition of these tankers, stressing that worn-out vessels pose a threat to critical infrastructure—particularly submarine cables that provide communications and data transfer. According to official sources, the UK has implemented sanctions against more ships than any other country—currently targeting 133 oil tankers, many of which are also under sanctions from other nations. However, challenges remain: according to Bloomberg, even after sanctions are imposed, 39 out of 41 ships that were previously under UK sanctions continue transporting oil from Russia. This underscores the difficulty of fully blocking the illegal flow and necessitates further efforts to combat the "shadow fleet." This issue is not limited to the UK. Global analysts and investigators actively discuss mechanisms by which Russian traders bypass sanctions—finding new ways to reroute oil to the European Union and other regions. In-depth investigations, including analysis of intermediaries and transportation structures, help reveal the scale and schemes of this illegal activity. Currently, these processes remain complex, as the Kremlin continues to use the so-called "shadow fleet" as a tool to preserve its economic interests amid sanctions. At the same time, London policymakers emphasize that increasing the number of sanctioned vessels, along with active international dialogue and cooperation, are key tools for putting pressure on Russia and supporting a global rule-based order aimed at reducing its aggressive economic activities. Thus, the UK’s sanctions campaign has become one of the most extensive and consistent efforts to combat Russia’s illegal oil trade, aimed at weakening its financial capabilities and eroding its economy in the long term. Meanwhile, circumventing sanctions remains a challenge for the international community, requiring comprehensive and coordinated efforts to disrupt Russia’s plans and support Ukraine in achieving a lasting peaceful future.