**Russia Evades Oil Sanctions with Illegal Transfers Near Greece and Cyprus, HUR Says**
A Russian tanker has been secretly conducting ship-to-ship oil transfers in international waters near Greece and Cyprus since July 2024. This is according to Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR), which reported the incident on June 16.
The tanker, operating without Western insurance, is part of Russia’s growing shadow fleet used to bypass G7 and EU sanctions on Russian oil exports. HUR estimates that one-third of Russia’s profits from oil and gas exports will fund its war against Ukraine in 2025.
**Russia Continues to Profit from Oil Exports**
Despite price caps and Western restrictions, Russia continues to profit from oil and gas exports. These remain a vital revenue source for the country. The EU approved its 17th sanctions package in May, targeting nearly 200 shadow fleet vessels. The U.S. Treasury had earlier sanctioned over 180 tankers, which together accounted for nearly half of Russia’s offshore oil shipments.
**Russia’s Shadow Fleet Expands**
The number of Russian ships involved in sanction-busting operations is growing. Ukraine has identified 159 other tankers allegedly belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet and 55 captains involved in these operations. The vessel in question, with IMO 9247443, is part of this expanding network.
**Sanctions Crucial for Peace Talks**
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of sanctions in securing a real ceasefire and bringing Russia to the negotiating table. “To achieve peaceful strength we must put more pressure on Russia,” she said.
The Biden administration had previously increased pressure on Russia’s oil trade early in 2024, but U.S. President Donald Trump has since declined to impose new sanctions despite Moscow’s continued refusal to agree to a ceasefire.
**Russia Continues to Launch Drone Attacks**
In other news, Russia launched a series of drone attacks on Kyiv Oblast overnight on June 15-16, targeting both the capital city and regional settlements. A 60-year-old man was injured in the attack.
North Korea has lost over 6,000 troops in Russia’s Kursk Oblast—more than half of its deployed force, according to a UK defense intelligence report. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry reported that five Ukrainian citizens, including three children, came under fire in an attack on a residential building in Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv.
**Ukraine Continues to Resist**
Despite these challenges, Ukraine remains determined to resist Russian aggression. The country has identified the tanker involved in the illegal transfers and listed it on the War&Sanctions platform.
