Russia's shadow fleet representatives are preparing meeting with new administration in Washington
Representatives of Russia's shadow fleet are preparing a meeting with the new administration in Washington (photo: GettyImages)
Representatives of Coral, a company considered one of the key players in Russia's shadow fleet operations, spotted in Washington. They are reportedly attempting to organize a meeting with the new presidential administration, the founder of the Ukrainian Institute for the Future, Anatoliy Amelin reports.
"The matter allegedly concerns Ahmed Kerimov, the financial director of Coral. According to reports, as of January 23, 2025, he arrived in Washington to lobby for the continued unsanctioned use of 2Rivers/Coral and to secure funding for the war in Ukraine," Amelin stated.
According to Amelin, the lobbying firm Qorvis could play a significant role in this situation. However, there is no official confirmation of its involvement in the negotiations.
"What agreements could they reach with the new administration? And will they succeed? Why does Ukraine continue ignoring Rosneft's largest trader?" the expert added.
To date, sanctions against the shadow fleet have covered only a limited range of entities, such as Vostok, 2Rivers/Coral Shell Company Voliton, Bellatrix, and a few vessels. Most of these operations are carried out through intermediary networks.
On December 17, the British government introduced a new sanctions package targeting companies and 20 vessels in Russia’s shadow fleet involved in transporting Russian oil. Specifically, sanctions were imposed on 2Rivers DMCC and 2Rivers PTE LTD, which operate Russia’s shadow fleet.
However, no sanctions have been applied against them in the US or Ukraine.
Previously, it was noted that Coral Energy is one of the largest transport companies assisting Russia in oil exports. Some of these companies are registered in Turkey, while others are based in India. The emergence of such companies is linked to the complex regulatory environment of the oil market.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Etibar Eyub from Coral Energy in Moscow and Tahir Garayev in Dubai manage a significant portion of the shadow fleet — at least 100 vessels — contributing substantially to Rosneft’s oil revenues, which fund the war against Ukraine.
