**Ukraine Imposes Sanctions on Russia’s “Shadow Fleet” and Cultural Heritage Looters**
President Volodymyr Zelensky has approved sanctions against 57 captains of Russia’s “shadow fleet”. These are tankers used to cheat sanctions on Russia’s oil trade. The measure also targets 55 people involved in stealing Ukraine’s cultural heritage in occupied Crimea.
**Sanctions Against Oil Trade**
The sanctions aim to stop Russia from selling its oil. They target Russian citizens and one Iranian national who help Russia sell its oil through secret ship-to-ship transfers. This is the first time individual captains have been punished for helping Russia cheat sanctions.
**Disrupting Russia’s Oil Trade**
By stopping experienced captains, Ukraine hopes to disrupt Russia’s oil trade and make it more expensive for Russia to operate its “shadow fleet”.
**Sanctions on Cultural Heritage Looters**
The sanctions also target Russian officials and cultural leaders who steal Ukrainian artifacts from Crimea. They face asset freezes and travel restrictions.
**Specific Individuals Targeted**
Among those targeted are senior officials from Russia’s Ministry of Culture, the Russian Academy of Sciences, and directors of major state-run museums. One person on the list is Yelena Morozova, who was featured in a documentary about stealing artifacts from Ukraine.
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