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Canada Targets 100 Russian Shadow Fleet Vessels With New Sanctions to Limit War Funding
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Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand has announced the imposition of new sanctions targeting 100 vessels connected to Russia's shadow fleet.
This was reported by the Canadian government on March 26.
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“To further strengthen our efforts to counter Russia’s sanctions evasion, Canada is adding 100 more vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet to its sanctions list,” the statement read.
She explained that Russia continues to rely on revenues from oil and gas to finance its war against Ukraine, using the shadow fleet to transport sanctioned goods and raw materials, including crude oil, to countries around the world.
Anand emphasized that these sanctions are designed to limit Russia's ability to fund its military activities and hinder its efforts to harm civilians.
“Canada remains unwavering in its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and its people, who are forcefully defending their rights in the face of Putin’s corrosive and aggressive actions. Until Russia halts its aggression, Canada will continue to intensify pressure through sanctions in coordination with allies and partners,” she stated.
Meanwhile, in the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has authorized British military personnel to seize Russian shadow fleet vessels operating in UK waters. Announced on March 25, this move aims to disrupt Russia's maritime operations, which are believed to be fueling Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine.
The UK government emphasized its goal to close British waters, including the English Channel, to vessels that are subject to sanctions. This will force the owners of these ships to either take longer, more expensive routes or face the risk of being detained by British military forces.
Starmer’s office clarified that both military and law enforcement personnel would take an individual approach to each vessel, consulting with industry experts before carrying out any interception operations.
In response to the mounting international pressure, Russia is reportedly preparing to deploy naval warship convoys and armed "mobile fire groups" to safeguard its shadow fleet. Nikolai Patrushev, the Chairman of the Maritime Board and assistant to Vladimir Putin, confirmed these plans in an interview with Russian media.
Patrushev described the ongoing international efforts against Russian shadow fleet tankers and container ships as an "unprecedented campaign" and emphasized that the Kremlin is taking action to protect its maritime assets.
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