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EU Sanctions 189 Russian Tankers to Cripple Kremlin’s Shadow Oil Fleet

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Photo of Vlad Litnarovych
Vlad Litnarovych
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EU Sanctions 189 Russian Tankers to Cripple Kremlin’s Shadow Oil Fleet
The oil tanker Eagle S is seen anchored near the Kilpilahti port in Porvoo, on the Gulf of Finland on January 7, 2025. (Source: Getty Images)

The European Union has blacklisted 189 vessels in Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” as part of its latest round of sanctions aimed at choking off Kremlin oil revenues and tightening pressure on Moscow to end its war against Ukraine, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on May 14.

Von der Leyen announced the sanctions, calling them a crucial step in reducing Russia’s ability to finance its invasion.

“I welcome the agreement on our 17th sanctions package against Russia,” von der Leyen wrote. “We are further restricting access to battlefield technologies.”

A key feature of the new measures is the inclusion of nearly 200 Russian-linked tankers used to quietly ship oil around sanctions and price caps. The move aims to disrupt a vital part of Russia’s global energy trade.

“And we have listed an additional 189 shadow fleet vessels to target Russia’s energy exports,” she said. “This war has to end. We will keep the pressure high on the Kremlin.”

Earlier, reports emerged that Washington and its European allies were prepared to impose the most severe sanctions yet on Russia if it refuses to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine.

The proposed sanctions—currently under review by the US Congress—could target key elements of Russia’s economy, including the Central Bank and the so-called “shadow fleet” used to export Russian oil outside formal channels.

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