The UK tightens sanctions against Russia and targets 51 ships in the shadow fleet

The UK has significantly tightened its sanctions regime against Russia. A further 90 entries have been added to the blacklist. The expansion mainly affects 51 ships belonging to the so-called Russian shadow fleet, as well as individuals and companies linked to the energy and defense sectors.

The aim is to disrupt the mechanism used by the Kremlin to circumvent existing sanctions.

According to Western authorities, the shadow fleet, which consists largely of older tankers, helps Moscow to secretly export oil, circumventing sanctions restrictions and thereby financing its war operations against Ukraine.

With this step, the UK is following similar measures taken by the US and the EU, which are also focusing on this gray area of Russian trade.

(reuters, lup)