South Korean Fuel Reaches Russia on Sanctioned Tankers, Ukraine Confirms
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on October 7 that fuel from South Korea was transported to Russia aboard sanctioned tankers and that Kyiv had raised the issue with Seoul.
The confirmation follows a Guardian investigation published on October 5 that found more than 176,000 tonnes of fuel, mostly diesel, moved from South Korean ports to Russia in July and August. Seven tankers made 14 voyages to Russia’s Far East, including three vessels sanctioned by the UK and EU. One shipment involved a ship-to-ship transfer in South Korean waters.
Ukraine Raises Concerns with South Korea
Ukraine raised concerns with South Korean officials and requested an explanation for the shipments, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi. Tykhyi stated that Kyiv had acknowledged the fact through closed diplomatic communication and that Seoul was continuing closed diplomatic discussions aimed at improving bilateral relations.
The talks also concern tensions following the disclosure of information about the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. Tykhyi described differing interpretations of confidentiality arrangements as the reason for the exchange of critical public statements.
Fuel Trade Does Not Violate South Korean Law
The Guardian noted that the trade did not appear to violate South Korean law, while the ownership of the fuel and its sellers remained unclear. The investigation found that the fuel was suitable for military aircraft, including the Su-34, Su-35S, and Su-57, as well as Tu-95MS strategic bombers.
South Korean Supply Chain Runs Through UAE-Based Caliph Energy Trading FZE
By late August, three shadow-fleet tankers delivered about 70,000 metric tons of Jet A-1 from South Korea and Egypt to ports in St. Petersburg and Vladivostok. The fuel is suitable for military aircraft, including the Su-34, Su-35S, and Su-57, as well as Tu-95MS strategic bombers. The South Korean supply chain ran through UAE-based Caliph Energy Trading FZE.
The confirmation of South Korean fuel reaching Russia on sanctioned tankers highlights concerns over sanctions evasion and the potential for further tension in bilateral relations between Ukraine, South Korea, and Russia.
Original Article: South Korean Fuel Reached Russia on Sanctioned Tankers, Ukraine Confirms — United24Media