Russia complains about attacks on its shadow fleet, Ukraine responds - FT
Illustrative photo: Ukraine has legal grounds to target Russia’s shadow fleet (Getty Images)
Russia has filed a complaint with an international organization over Ukrainian attacks on tankers from the so-called shadow fleet. In Kyiv, meanwhile, the notion that the shadow fleet should be considered purely commercial has been called into question, according to the Financial Times.
Russia accuses Ukraine of 'terrorism'
At the beginning of June, Moscow cynically accused Kyiv of "terrorism" in a submission to the IMO. The case concerns an attack in March on the Russian LNG tanker Arctic Metagaz in the Mediterranean Sea.
On June 26, Ukraine sent a response letter to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In it, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba emphasized that there is a question of whether such vessels can be considered purely ordinary commercial operations.
Kuleba argues that Russian tankers are "critical for generating budget revenues for Russia and sustaining its military efforts."
Russian shadow fleet is a military asset
Ukraine reportedly targeted around ten Russian shadow fleet vessels in 2025. These ships are under sanctions and mainly transport Russian cargo.
Ukrainian sources cited by FT also claim that Russia has struck more than 200 commercial vessels in the Black Sea since February 2022.
What is known about Ukrainian and Russian actions in the Black Sea
In his letter, Kuleba detailed Russia’s aggressive actions against civilian vessels. Russia has attacked 59 merchant ships, including the Turkish cargo vessel MV Victress and the German vessel Helga.
These attacks are further evidence of Russia’s blatant disregard for international humanitarian law, maritime warfare regulations, and the safety of commercial shipping, Kuleba said.
At the same time, following Ukrainian strikes in March, no Russian LNG tanker has entered the Mediterranean Sea. The shadow fleet is now bypassing the Cape of Good Hope, according to maritime intelligence company Windward.
Europe’s efforts against Russia’s shadow fleet
On June 14, the United Kingdom seized a shadow fleet tanker carrying Russian cargo in the English Channel. France also detained a similar vessel in the Mediterranean Sea a few days earlier.
European partners of Ukraine are pressuring flag registries in Barbados, Panama, and Cameroon, aiming to deregister vessels so they can be legally boarded.
It is noted that the global shadow fleet serving Russia, Iran, and Venezuela currently numbers more than 1,500 tankers.
The UK will allocate £500 million to purchase fast boats and strike drones for commandos in the Arctic Circle, equipment that could be used to seize Russian shadow fleet vessels.
The French Navy detained the Russian shadow fleet tanker Deliver near Sicily. The vessel is currently anchored under guard.
A commander from a Defense intelligence unit with the call sign "Deviatyi" said that Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels Katran are being prepared for operations to detain Russian shadow fleet ships in the Black Sea.
