Ukraine imposes sanctions against almost 700 vessels of Russia‘s “shadow fleet” – Zelenskyy
Today, Ukraine‘s sanctions against nearly 700 more maritime vessels, which Russians use to finance the war, came into effect. This is a significant part of the Russian fleet that transports oil and other energy resources and provides money for prolonging the war.
The sanctions package includes vessels that sail not only under the Russian flag but also under the flags of over 50 jurisdictions. According to decree No. 929/2025, sanctions have been imposed against 656 vessels for 10 years. The restrictions include asset blocking; restrictions on trade operations; restrictions, partial or complete cessation of transit of resources, flights, and transportation through the territory of Ukraine; suspension of economic and financial obligations; termination or suspension of licenses and other permits.
Sanctions Target Russian Maritime Vessels
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 stop issuing licenses. The President emphasized that Ukraine will ensure that each of these vessels, each ship-owning company, and the entire infrastructure of Russian oil and other energy resource exports are also blocked by partners.
Shadow Fleet Used to Circumvent Sanctions
Monitoring of the Black, Red, and Baltic Seas revealed that Russia used these vessels to circumvent sanctions imposed by the European Union, G7, and other states, thereby exporting oil, petroleum products, and liquefied gas. Ship owners and crews disabled the Automatic Identification System and used schemes that concealed ownership and cargo origin.
Impact on Russian Maritime Exports
Sanctions and market restrictions are forming a stable negative dynamic for Russian maritime exports, despite Russia continuing to increase crude oil shipments. The President added that Ukraine will work to ensure that each of these vessels, each ship-owning company, and the entire infrastructure of Russian oil and other energy resource exports are also blocked by partners.
Original Article: Ukraine imposes sanctions against almost 700 vessels of Russia’s “shadow fleet” – Zelenskyy — Unn