Ukraine Sanctions 91 Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Vessels Sailing Under Foreign Flags
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree enacting a decision by the National Security and Defense Council to impose sanctions on 91 vessels linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, the Presidential Office said on Feb. 13.
Monitoring results in the Black, Red and Baltic seas show that Russia used these vessels to transport oil and petroleum products from Russian ports — including Novorossiysk, Ust-Luga and Primorsk — to third countries, bypassing international sanctions.
The Office of the President said the sanctioned vessels sailed under the flags of about 20 countries. Only one flew a Russian flag, while the rest were registered under the flags of Panama, Liberia, Cameroon, Barbados, the Marshall Islands, Hong Kong, Sierra Leone, Tonga, Palau, Guinea, the Comoros, the Bahamas, Indonesia, Malawi, Guinea-Bissau, Djibouti, Guyana and Eswatini.
Sanctions Target Vessels Already Under International Sanctions
At least 27 vessels on the list are already under sanctions imposed by partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and the European Union. These vessels will face additional pressure from Ukraine‘s sanctions, further limiting Russia‘s ability to transport oil and petroleum products.
Pressure on Russia’s Oil Revenues Intensifies
The Office of the President said sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet make it possible to pressure everyone involved in transporting Russian oil and thereby helping the aggressor state generate funds to finance its war against Ukraine. In January 2026, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at least 20% of Russia’s “shadow fleet” vessels had already been halted.
International Efforts to Tighten Sanctions Against Russia
On Feb. 6, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington was considering tightening sanctions against Russia, adding that further restrictions would depend on the progress of peace talks. According to Bloomberg, the European Union is preparing a 20th package of sanctions against Russia, which would increase pressure on the Kremlin’s oil revenues and expand restrictions on banks, the shadow fleet and sanctions-evasion schemes.
Conclusion
Ukraine‘s decision to impose sanctions on 91 Russian ‘shadow fleet’ vessels sailing under foreign flags demonstrates its commitment to countering Russia‘s efforts to evade international sanctions. By targeting these vessels, Ukraine aims to pressure everyone involved in transporting Russian oil and thereby helping the aggressor state generate funds to finance its war against Ukraine.
Original Article: Ukraine sanctions 91 Russian ‘shadow fleet’ vessels sailing under foreign flags — Nv