Zelenskyy sanctions 91 vessels in Russia's 'shadow fleet' for evading oil bans

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy formalized sanctions Friday against 91 vessels identified as components of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," vessels Kyiv alleges are systematically circumventing international oil embargoes. The presidential office confirmed the decree implements a National Security and Defense Council decision targeting ships used to transport Russian petroleum products to third-country buyers while evading sanctions imposed by the EU, G7, and partner nations.

Monitoring and International Coordination

"Monitoring results in the Black, Red, and Baltic Seas" provided evidence of sanctions evasion, according to the official statement. The sanctioned vessels sail under the flags of approximately 20 nations, with only one vessel registered under Russian flag. Kyiv has pledged to provide detailed information to affected flag states and pursue further sanctions synchronization with international partners. Twenty-seven vessels on the current list already face restrictions from the United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and European Union member states.

Strategic Pressure on War Financing

The presidential office indicated that work continues on sanctioning the remaining 64 vessels, describing the campaign against Russia's shadow fleet as a strategic priority. Disrupting these maritime operations enables Ukraine to "exert pressure on everyone who transports Russian oil and thus helps Russia obtain funds to finance the war against Ukraine," the statement emphasized. The sanctions represent Kyiv's expanding role in enforcing global energy restrictions targeting Moscow's primary revenue stream.