UK expands sanctions to target Putin's war economy
Photo: Keir Starmer (Getty Images)
The UK has imposed sanctions on 20 vessels that used illegal methods to circumvent sanctions on Russian oil. The latest measures are aimed at the so-called shadow fleet of Russian vessels, according to the British government's website.
"As Putin’s oil revenues continue to fuel the fires of his illegal war, Ukrainian families are enduring cold, dark nights, often without heating, light or electricity, targeted by Russia’s relentless missile attacks," said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
According to him, “these sanctions will add further pressure to Putin’s stalling war economy.”
The UK government says that the sanctioned vessels include the Ocean Faye, Andaman Skies, and Mianzimu, each of which has transported more than 4 million barrels of Russian oil this year.
The measures restrict or prohibit their movement and access to some British ports.
The UK has imposed sanctions on more than 100 ships carrying Russian energy, including 93 oil tankers - more than any other country.
Western countries have imposed sanctions on a wide range of vessels used by Moscow to circumvent restrictions on the export of Russian oil and other goods. Ships in the shadow fleet are not regulated or insured by traditional Western suppliers.
The day before, the UK and 11 other Western countries agreed on measures to curb Russia's shadow fleet. The measures were coordinated by Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, five Nordic countries, and three Baltic states.
Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Finland, and Estonia will start checking insurance documents of suspicious ships passing through the English Channel, the Danish Straits, the Gulf of Finland, and the strait between Sweden and Denmark.
