UK targets Russian shadow fleet with new sanctions on energy sector

The UK has escalated its support for Ukraine with new sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector, aiming to disrupt its illegal oil trade.

The latest measures focus on 20 shadow fleet ships, including the Ocean Faye, Andaman Skies, and Mianzimu, all implicated in transporting Russian oil, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

These vessels have collectively shipped over four million barrels of oil this year alone.

Also sanctioned are key enablers of the illicit trade, 2Rivers DMCC and 2Rivers PTE LTD. The sanctions are designed to deprive Russian President Vladimir Putin of essential war funds by targeting the oil revenue that sustains his military efforts.

This latest move marks a continued commitment to curtailing Russia's economic resources, with the UK having sanctioned more than 100 ships involved in the transport of Russian energy. This includes 93 oil tankers—the highest number of any nation.

The UK’s ongoing efforts to disrupt the shadow fleet have left many vessels stranded at ports, costing Russia millions in idle assets. As part of broader efforts to counter the shadow fleet, the UK has also targeted vessels operating in the Baltic and North Seas, requiring proof of insurance for ships passing through the English Channel.

In a show of international cooperation, the UK is joined by Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Finland, and Estonia in a coordinated effort to tackle shadow vessels along the Baltic route. The nations have pledged to hold these vessels and their enablers accountable for facilitating Russia’s military agenda.

The sanctions coincide with a severe increase in Russian missile attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure, with one recent strike leaving one million Ukrainians without electricity. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the UK’s unwavering support, stating,

“As Putin’s oil revenues continue to fuel the fires of his illegal war, Ukrainian families are enduring cold, dark nights, often without heating, light or electricity. But these attacks will only strengthen our resolve.”

The UK has also pledged additional humanitarian support for Ukraine, including £20 million to address urgent energy needs. This funding will go towards repairing the electricity transmission network and increasing power generation capacity for the winter months. An additional £15 million in humanitarian aid will provide essential support for vulnerable Ukrainians, with £5 million allocated to UNICEF for essential goods and £10 million for UNHCR to aid over 21,000 displaced families.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has suffered extensive damage to its energy infrastructure, with at least two-thirds of its power generation capacity destroyed. Over 14.6 million Ukrainians are currently in need of humanitarian assistance as the war continues to displace families and cause widespread suffering.

The UK’s latest sanctions and aid package are part of an ongoing effort to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and pressure Russia’s war economy.

By Aghakazim Guliyev