**Trump Administration Mulls Sanctions on Russia’s “Shadow Fleet” of Oil Tankers**
The Trump administration is considering new sanctions on a group of oil tankers known as the “shadow fleet,” which are operated by Russia and have been instrumental in evading Western oil price caps. According to people familiar with White House discussions, these measures would be put into place if President Vladimir Putin fails to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine by August 8.
The so-called “shadow fleet” consists of aging tankers with unclear ownership structures that allow them to bypass Western sanctions and continue financing Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. These vessels operate by concealing their ownership, avoiding Western maritime services, and transporting crude oil to buyers such as China and India at prices above the G7’s $60-a-barrel cap.
**Sanctions Seen as a Straightforward Way to Increase Pressure on Russia**
Sanctioning these vessels directly has proven effective in the past, with buyers unwilling to use blacklisted ships. The Biden administration previously sanctioned 213 tankers, while the EU has listed more than 400 vessels in recent months. Analysts say that targeting ships rather than their owners sharply reduced their operational capacity.
**Trump Frustrated with Putin’s Refusal to Halt War**
President Trump has become increasingly frustrated with Putin’s refusal to halt the war in Ukraine. People close to the administration said the Kremlin has ignored multiple U.S. deadlines and recently escalated attacks on Ukraine. During a Tuesday call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump discussed possible sanctions.
**Additional Measures Under Review**
Other measures being considered by the White House include stricter enforcement of existing sanctions, adopting the EU’s upcoming “dynamic” floating oil price cap, and secondary sanctions on foreign banks or refineries involved in Russian oil trade. A bipartisan bill proposing tariffs of up to 500% on buyers of Russian energy is also gaining support.
**Trump Expected to Decide on Measures Soon**
The president is expected to decide on possible measures once his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, returns from Moscow this week. “If Witkoff comes back empty-handed, with absolutely nothing, Trump is going to go ballistic,” one source said. White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly reiterated that the president has been clear that there will be biting sanctions if Putin does not agree to end the war.
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