Australia hits Russia's shadow fleet for first time: Sanctions list
Photo: Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
Australia hits Kremlin's shadow fleet for the first time. Dozens of tankers funding the war are now under sanctions, RBC-Ukraine reports, citing the Head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak.
"Today, Australia adopted one of the most extensive sanction decisions against Russia's war machine - 60 vessels from the so-called tanker fleet, which had been used to circumvent oil sanctions and finance aggression, have come under restrictions," Yermak announced.
According to the Head of the Presidential Office, this list of vessels had been recommended by Ukraine's sanctions group.
"This is Australia's first sanctions strike particularly targeting the fleet, and it's immediately precise and powerful," added Yermak.
He explained that the restrictions would affect the vessels:
- access to ports,
- insurance,
- and servicing.
"Australia has already imposed more than 1,400 sanctions, and this package is a clear continuation of its pressure policy on the Kremlin," the Head of the Presidential Office emphasized.
At the same time, Yermak noted that this decision is part of joint actions by Australia and its Ukrainian partners, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
"Together, we continue to deprive Russia of the resources it channels into war. I thank the Australian government for its clear stance and unwavering support for Ukraine," the Head of the Presidential Office concluded.
Sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet
Yesterday the UK government also imposed a sanctions package on Russia. The economic restrictions target the shadow fleet and organizations that support Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
In particular, according to Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, as of last month, Russia's shadow fleet consisted of up to 1,000 mostly outdated vessels (with a total deadweight exceeding 100 million tons) used for exporting oil and petroleum products.
At the end of May this year, the European Union adopted its 17th sanctions package against Russia. Restrictions were imposed on 189 vessels from third countries that are part of Russia's shadow fleet and involved in transporting Russian oil.
