The United Kingdom is set to introduce new sanctions targeting a fleet of Russian oil tankers that are believed to assist Moscow in circumventing existing energy export restrictions. In a press release on Friday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that up to 100 vessels linked to over £18 billion in cargo shipments since early 2024 will be included in these fresh measures.
Starmer plans to unveil these sanctions at a summit of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) in Oslo, consisting of northern European nations. He emphasized the U.K.’s commitment to using all available means to “destroy” the operations of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “shadow fleet.” The aim is to cut off oil revenues supporting Putin’s military actions and to safeguard the country’s subsea infrastructure.
“My government will protect working people from bearing the burden of the threat posed by Putin’s fleet to U.K. critical national infrastructure and the environment,” Starmer stated. Western sanctions have been implemented following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, focusing on limiting Kremlin oil revenues through import restrictions and price caps.
In retaliation, Russia has created a clandestine “shadow fleet” of tankers with obscure ownership and obscure delivery routes to evade detection. Downing Street has criticized this operation, stating it “bankrolls the Kremlin’s illegal war in Ukraine.” The vessels have been described as “decrepit and dangerous,” associated with reckless behavior at sea and incidents damaging critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
Under the new sanctions, the targeted ships will be prohibited from entering British ports and may face detention in U.K. waters. Starmer concluded by saying, “Every step that increases pressure on Moscow and leads to peace for Ukraine enhances security and prosperity here in the U.K.” Additionally, asset freezes on directors of Coral Energy Group, involved in selling Russian oil now operating as 2Rivers Group, are included in the announced measures.