Sanctions Against Russia’s Shadow Fleet Come into Force in Ukraine
On Saturday, Ukraine’s sanctions against nearly 700 additional vessels of Russia‘s so-called shadow fleet, which transports petroleum products, came into force. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.
The sanctions apply to vessels operating under more than 50 jurisdictions and are part of a larger effort to pressure Russia and end the war that it started. According to the results of monitoring of the Black, Red, and Baltic Seas, it was established that Russia used these vessels to circumvent sanctions imposed by the European Union, the G7, and other states, thereby exporting oil, petroleum products, and liquefied gas.
Shadow Fleet’s Operations Exposed
The sanctioned vessels sailed under the flags of more than 50 countries, most often Gambia, Sierra Leone, Panama, and Cameroon. Ukraine will transfer all relevant information to these states and work with them to halt the issuance of licenses. The President’s Office noted that Ukraine will work with partners to synchronize these sanctions in their jurisdictions.
Coordination Efforts Underway
Ukraine will also continue to coordinate its efforts with partners to ensure a complete ban on providing maritime services to vessels involved in exporting Russian energy resources. A significant number of the vessels are already under sanctions by the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
President Zelensky’s Statement
President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that this is a significant part of Russia‘s fleet that transports oil and other energy resources and generates funds to prolong the war. He noted that Ukraine supports the concept of a complete ban on providing maritime services to vessels involved in exporting Russian energy resources.
Decree Enacting Sanctions
The President signed a decree enacting the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine to impose sanctions on 656 maritime vessels that are part of Russia‘s shadow fleet. The relevant Decree No. 929/2025 of December 13, 2025, has been published on the website of the President of Ukraine.
Historical Context
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia has created a shadow fleet of more than 1,240 tankers to bypass Western sanctions and continue selling oil. Over the past five years, Ukraine has seized 68 vessels of Russia’s shadow fleet, including three vessels seized from December 2024 to the present.
Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
Original Article: Ukraine imposes record sanctions on nearly 700 Russian “shadow fleet” vessels – Zelensky — Ukrinform