Zelenskyy signs law imposing sanctions on Russia’s “shadow fleet”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a new law targeting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” introducing sanctions that aim to disrupt the Kremlin’s covert maritime operations. 

The legislation, previously approved by the Verkhovna Rada, was reported by Ukrainian media, citing the parliament’s official website.

The law allows for sanctions and potential seizure of Russian-linked vessels, which Ukrainian authorities say will bolster national security and curb Moscow’s ability to fund its military campaign through illicit maritime trade.

According to the legal text, the new measures apply not only to ships belonging to the “shadow fleet” but also to any vessels or aircraft involved in transporting Russian weapons or military personnel. Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) will identify such assets, and the relevant information will be recorded in the State Register of Sanctions.

Until now, Ukrainian sanctions legislation permitted measures only against individuals and legal entities. This new law expands the scope to include physical assets — specifically ships and aircraft—used in operations deemed to threaten Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, or national interests.

The Russian “shadow fleet” is believed to comprise hundreds of ageing oil tankers operating under obscure ownership and flags of convenience, enabling them to bypass international sanctions imposed on Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate estimates the fleet includes up to 1,000 mainly outdated vessels engaged in the export of crude oil and petroleum products.

Efforts to clamp down on this fleet are also being pursued internationally. In May, the European Union adopted its 17th sanctions package against Russia, targeting nearly 200 ships identified as part of the shadow fleet. A month later, the United Kingdom announced a new sanctions package specifically aimed at curbing the activities of this covert maritime network and penalising companies supporting Russia’s ongoing military aggression in Ukraine.

By Tamilla Hasanova