**Ukraine Hits Back at Russia’s “Shadow Fleet”**
In a bid to curb Moscow’s economic power, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree imposing sanctions on 94 individuals and five legal entities. The main target of these sanctions is the captains of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” vessels.
The shadow fleet refers to Russia’s aging and poorly insured tankers that are used to evade sanctions and conduct espionage, among other objectives. These ships are registered in various countries, including some in the Global South, as a way for Moscow to circumvent Western sanctions and oil price caps.
According to Zelensky, this is just the first of three planned packages of sanctions aimed at disrupting Russia’s economic activities. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that these measures will be synchronized with international partners to ensure maximum effectiveness.
The sanctioned individuals hail from Russia, Iran, Pakistan, Myanmar, China, Bangladesh, India, and Georgia. This move reflects a broader trend in which Kyiv and Western powers are targeting Russia’s oil revenues, which help fund its war machine.
**What is the “Shadow Fleet”?**
Russia’s shadow fleet has been increasingly targeted by sanctions as international partners seek to curb Russian oil revenues. The EU and the UK have both imposed measures against vessels involved in covert Russian schemes to transport oil, weapons, and military personnel.
Just a few days ago, the EU approved its 18th sanctions package, targeting over 100 shadow fleet ships. This move was followed by the UK’s decision to sanction 135 Russian oil tankers and two shipping companies linked to Russia’s shadow fleet.
**What Does this Mean for Russia?**
The imposition of these sanctions on Russia’s “shadow fleet” captains and entities marks a significant escalation in Ukraine’s efforts to undermine Moscow’s economic power. By targeting key individuals and vessels, Kyiv is aiming to disrupt Russia’s ability to circumvent Western sanctions and oil price caps.
As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, expect more international pressure on Moscow to be applied through economic means.
