Sanctions knock out 20% of Russia's shadow tankers — Zelenskyy
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Oleh Luhovskyi (president.gov.ua)
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy listened to a report by Oleh Luhovskyi, First Deputy Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.
The discussion focused on the partners' non-public approaches to communication with the Russian side, as well as their actual attitude toward Ukraine and negotiations at this stage.
Zelenskyy emphasizes that all of Ukraine's positions should be based on real prospects, not formal statements.
Russia trying to expand its shadow tanker fleet
The head of state instructs the Foreign Intelligence Service to provide partners with new information about Russia's attempts to expand its shadow tanker fleet. According to him, thanks to coordinated pressure from Ukraine and a number of other countries, at least 20% of this fleet has already been shut down.
At the same time, Moscow is trying to compensate for its losses by bringing in new vessels. Zelenskyy emphasizes that all of them should be included in the sanctions lists.
Sanctions against crews and infrastructure
The President says that Ukraine will continue to apply sanctions not only to ships, but also to captains, crews, insurers, and the entire infrastructure of the Russian shadow fleet.
According to Zelenskyy, the current restrictions on Russian oil exports by sea are expected to reduce Russia's annual revenues by at least $30 billion. Further tightening of sanctions will only increase these losses and reduce funding for the war.
In addition, Ukraine will inform its partners about new schemes used by Chinese companies to help Russia circumvent financial sanctions.
Pressure is basis of diplomacy
The President stresses that the task of all those who seek to end the war is to reduce Russia's ability to adapt to international pressure.
"Effective pressure on the aggressor is the main fertilizer for the diplomatic process," Zelenskyy concludes.
Shadow fleet tankers detention
Last week, the United States detained two tankers linked to Russia. In particular, the tanker Marinera, sailing under the Russian flag, was stopped in the waters between Iceland and the British Isles. The operation was carried out by the US Coast Guard, which, according to available information, had been tracking the vessel for several weeks.
US Vice President JD Vance said that the seized tanker was only masquerading as Russian in an attempt to circumvent sanctions restrictions. According to media reports, the oil tanker Marinera belongs to the Russian company Burevestmarin, whose director and sole owner is Ilya Bugay, an entrepreneur from Russian-occupied Crimea.
In addition, the US detained another tanker from Russia's so-called shadow fleet in the Caribbean Sea - the Sophia. Against the backdrop of these events, Russia began talking about piracy and violations of international law.
At the same time, one of the State Duma deputies publicly called for a forceful response and strikes against American ships.
