US Senators Seek to Raise Pressure on Russia with ‘Shadow Fleet’ Sanctions
US senators are seeking to increase financial pressure on Russia by targeting Moscow’s energy exports as President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker an end to the war in Ukraine stall.
New legislation, set to be introduced on Friday, would significantly expand US sanctions on Russia‘s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers that Moscow has used to evade western restrictions on its energy sector since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Proceeds from these crude exports have helped to finance Moscow’s war effort.
The legislation reflects a growing appetite among lawmakers in Washington for stronger efforts to exert pressure on Moscow to choke off Putin’s war chest. The Shadow Fleets Act is to be introduced on Friday by Republican senator Jim Risch, chair of the Senate foreign relations committee and Jeanne Shaheen, the committee’s top Democrat.
Russian Energy Exports Under Fire
The US has raised tariffs on India over purchases of Russian oil, but has stopped short of imposing direct costs on Moscow. However, lawmakers are seeking to change this by targeting Russia‘s energy exports directly. The new legislation would expand penalties on Russia’s defence industrial base and target Russian LNG projects.
Moscow has stepped up its attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks, launching huge waves of drones and missiles. Russian drones have also breached Poland’s airspace, prompting Nato to respond with the first direct engagement with Moscow’s armed forces in the conflict.
International Pressure Mounts
Separately, EU ambassadors were set to meet in Brussels on Friday afternoon to discuss fresh sanctions proposed by the European Commission targeting Russia‘s oil and gas production and companies in countries such as China and India who purchase those products. A faster phaseout of the EU’s own Russian energy purchases is also under discussion.
The international community has been increasingly vocal in its condemnation of Russia‘s actions, with many calling for stronger measures to be taken against Moscow. The new legislation reflects this growing appetite for action, as lawmakers seek to increase pressure on Putin to end his war in Ukraine.
Consequences for Russia’s War Effort
If enacted, the legislation would significantly impact Russia‘s ability to fund its war effort. The “shadow fleet” of oil tankers has been a key source of revenue for Moscow, allowing it to evade western restrictions and continue funding its military operations in Ukraine.
The new sanctions would target these vessels directly, making it more difficult for Russia to continue using them to evade international pressure. This could have significant consequences for Putin’s war effort, as the US and EU seek to choke off his ability to fund his military operations.
Conclusion
The introduction of new legislation targeting Russia‘s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers is a significant development in the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. The move reflects a growing appetite among lawmakers in Washington for stronger efforts to exert pressure on Moscow, and could have significant consequences for Putin’s war effort. As international pressure mounts, it remains to be seen how Russia will respond to these new sanctions, but one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the world is watching closely.
Original Article: US senators seek to raise pressure on Russia with ‘shadow fleet’ sanctions — Ft