Russia Builds Shadow Fleet of Over 1,240 Tankers to Circumvent Sanctions
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has built a shadow fleet of more than 1,240 tankers to continue selling oil despite Western sanctions. According to the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, this massive fleet is comprised of old and often unsafe vessels that operate under foreign flags or without any flag at all.
The statement from the Center highlights the significant portion of these vessels that lack proper insurance or technical oversight, posing environmental hazards. As reported by Ukrinform, the shadow fleet has already caused a series of environmental disasters, including oil spills, fires, and marine pollution.
Shadow Fleet Generates $200 Million Daily
As of September 2025, the Russian Federation was earning approximately $200 million per day from oil exports, with 69 percent of this volume transported by the shadow fleet. This staggering figure underscores the significant role the shadow fleet plays in Russia‘s ability to circumvent sanctions and continue its oil trade.
European Commission Considers Adding Tankers to Sanctions Lists
The European Commission may add several tankers from the shadow fleet to separate sanctions lists if it does not manage to adopt the 20th sanctions package before the New Year. This move would further restrict Russia‘s ability to operate its shadow fleet and potentially disrupt its oil exports.
As reported by Ukrinform, the foreign flags under which these vessels operate create challenges for international authorities seeking to enforce sanctions against Russia. The lack of transparency surrounding these vessels’ operations only adds to the complexity of addressing this issue.
Original Article: Russia builds shadow fleet of more than 1,240 tankers – CCD — Ukrinform