Ukraine Imposes Sanctions on 91 Vessels of Russia’s Shadow Fleet
President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree enforcing a National Security and Defense Council decision to impose sanctions on 91 vessels that are part of Russia‘s shadow fleet. According to Ukrinform, the President’s Office issued a statement outlining the reasons behind this move.
The sanctioned vessels operated under flags of nearly 20 countries, with only one registered in Russia itself. The majority were registered in jurisdictions such as Panama, Liberia, Cameroon, Barbados, and others. These vessels transported oil and petroleum products from Russian ports to third countries, circumventing sanctions imposed by the EU, G7, and other states.
Monitoring in the Black Sea, Red Sea, and Baltic Sea confirmed these activities. The President’s Office emphasized that imposing sanctions on the shadow fleet is a priority, as it pressures those transporting Russian oil and thereby financing Russia‘s war against Ukraine.
Sanctions to be Coordinated with International Partners
Ukraine will share relevant information with these states and coordinate with partners to synchronize sanctions in their jurisdictions. Twenty-seven of the vessels are already under sanctions by the United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the European Union, while work continues on the remaining 64.
The decree, No. 121/2026, titled “On the Decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine of February 12, 2026, ‘On the Application of Personal Special Economic and Other Restrictive Measures (Sanctions)’”, takes effect upon publication.
Presidential Commissioner Emphasizes Importance of Swift Sanctions
“Shadow fleet tankers are a key instrument for circumventing oil sanctions; therefore, their identification and the imposition of sanctions against them must proceed swiftly and without exceptions. Each such vessel should be regarded as an element of financing Russia‘s war machine,” said Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy.
EU Proposes Ban on Cryptocurrency Transactions Linked to Russia
As reported, the European Union has proposed a full ban on any cryptocurrency transactions linked to Russia to block Moscow from bypassing sanctions through assets outside the traditional banking system. This move aims to further restrict Russia’s ability to circumvent international sanctions and fund its military activities in Ukraine.
Original Article: Ukraine imposes sanctions on 91 vessels of Russia’s shadow fleet — Ukrinform