UK to Hit Putin’s ‘Shadow Fleet’ With New Sanctions

The UK is preparing to sanction a group of Russian oil tankers that help Moscow bypass global restrictions. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will announce the new measures during the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) summit in Oslo. UK Targets 100 Vessels Linked to Sanction Evasion Downing Street says the sanctions will apply to up to 100 vessels. These tankers have carried more than £18 billion worth of oil since the start of 2024. Officials accuse them of funding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by avoiding energy import limits and price caps. Shadow Fleet Described as “Decrepit and Dangerous” The UK government calls these tankers unsafe and a threat to maritime infrastructure. It also blames the fleet for "reckless seafaring" and links it to recent undersea cable damage in the Baltic Sea. New Measures to Block Tankers from British Ports Under the new sanctions, the UK will ban these ships from entering British ports. Authorities will also detain them if they appear in UK waters. Starmer says the UK will keep pressuring Russia and help Ukraine secure peace. “Every step we take is a step toward security and prosperity at home,” he said. UK Continues Pressure With European Allies The UK previously sanctioned 133 similar vessels in December 2024. The JEF—made up of 10 northern European nations including Denmark and the Netherlands—plans to announce more support for Ukraine during the current summit.