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Ukraine to Sanction Russia's Shadow Fleet, Propaganda Channels, and Cultural Looters

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Ukraine to Sanction Russia's Shadow Fleet, Propaganda Channels, and Cultural Looters
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)

Ukraine will introduce three new sanctions packages against Russia, targeting the shadow fleet , propagandists, and individuals involved in the looting of Ukrainian cultural artifacts.

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Oleksandr Lytvynenko, announced the measures during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on February 5.

“A decision on sanctions has been approved by the National Security and Defense Council. The lists will be released soon. Several strict packages are expected. We are doing everything necessary to support our people, ensure stability, and protect our state,” the message reads.

The first package, developed in coordination with Ukrainian intelligence agencies, proposes sanctions against 83 individuals involved in facilitating the export of Russian oil products and goods from the aggressor state, effectively targeting Russia’s shadow fleet.

The second package focuses on Russian propagandists, specifically filmmakers and companies that produce and distribute anti-Ukrainian content. It includes 41 individuals and 47 entities.

The third package imposes sanctions on Russians responsible for the theft and removal of Ukrainian cultural artifacts from museums in occupied territories.

Previously, it was reported that Western shipowners have earned over $6 billion by selling aging oil tankers to a fleet that transports Russian oil, according to an international investigation by Follow the Money released on February 4.

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The shadow fleet are vessels with obscure ownership structures meant to conceal their transportation of sanctioned Russian oil and wet cargo since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.