Crippling Putin's Shadow Fleet: New Sanctions Unveiled at JEF Summit

New restrictions on Russian oil tankers are on the horizon as the UK prepares to announce sanctions aimed at disrupting Moscow’s ability to generate revenue from its oil exports. This decisive move targets a fleet of up to 100 vessels, which have reportedly transported over £18 billion worth of cargo since 2024. The announcement is set to be made by Sir Keir Starmer during the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) summit in Oslo, Norway.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, many Western nations imposed sanctions on Russian energy exports, attempting to limit their financial inflow. In response, Russia developed what is now known as a ”shadow fleet,” designed to circumvent these sanctions by concealing their ownership and routes. The UK government claims that this shadow fleet is funding the Kremlin’s illegal war in Ukraine, contributing to the ongoing conflict.

Describing these vessels as ”decrepit and dangerous,” Downing Street has highlighted the reckless behavior exhibited by ships in this fleet, which is believed to be linked to damage sustained by undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. The impending sanctions will result in these tankers being banned from British ports and facing the risk of detention in UK waters.

Starmer emphasized the importance of increasing pressure on Moscow as a means to foster peace in Ukraine, which he believes will ultimately enhance security and prosperity in the UK. In conjunction with the unveiling of new sanctions, the members of the JEF, which includes nations like Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands, are expected to announce additional support for Ukraine’s defense efforts. This initiative follows previous sanctions placed on 133 shadow vessels during a prior JEF meeting in December 2024. As the situation unfolds, the UK is taking definitive steps to combat Russian aggression on multiple fronts.