**Australia Takes a Stand Against Russia’s “Shadow Fleet”**
For the first time, Australia has imposed sanctions on Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers. This move targets 60 vessels used to evade international sanctions and sustain Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. The Australian government says these ships operate under deceptive practices, including flag-hopping, disabling tracking systems, and inadequate insurance.
**A Global Effort to Confront Russia**
This step aligns Australia with similar measures introduced by the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union. The sanctions aim to disrupt Russia’s illicit oil trade, which undermines international sanctions. With this move, Australia has now sanctioned over 1,400 Russian individuals and entities since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
**The Problem with Russia’s Shadow Fleet**
A recent study by the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) reveals that Russia operates 435 tankers outside Western regulators’ control to evade sanctions. These vessels are typically un- or underinsured and pose a rising environmental risk due to their age and operational opacity. KSE estimates that as of April 2024, 83% of Russia’s crude oil and 46% of its petroleum product exports were shipped using shadow fleet tankers.
**The EU Takes Action**
The European Union has also taken steps to address the issue. In May, the EU formally adopted its 17th sanctions package against Russia, sanctioning nearly 200 vessels tied to the shadow fleet. The new measures target hybrid threats and human rights violations, with more sanctions under consideration. The EU is now seeking to approve its 18th sanctions package, which will add 77 more shadow fleet vessels.
**A Warning from the EU**
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas urged the European Union to press forward with lowering the oil price cap on Russian crude, even without U.S. support. She warned that Middle East tensions could drive prices up and boost Russia’s revenues if action is not taken.
**Other Developments**
In other news, Ukraine’s parliament has supported a bill allowing Ukrainian citizens to hold passports of foreign countries. The move comes as President Volodymyr Zelensky said the G7 summit had produced concrete results for Ukraine, including increased military support and new tranches of aid using frozen Russian assets.
**The Human Cost**
Meanwhile, at least 23 people have been killed and 134 others injured after a mass Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv overnight. The number includes 1,040 casualties that Russian forces suffered just over the past day.
**Sanctions Debate**
The debate over sanctions continues as intensified Russian strikes on Ukraine killed at least 14 people and injured 117 in Kyiv overnight. French President Emmanuel Macron said the European Union and its allies are ready to toughen sanctions on Russia.
