Ukraine's intel exposes over 50 vessels in Russia's shadow fleet
Photo: HUR has identified more than 50 vessels belonging to Russia's shadow fleet (Getty Images)
Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR) reports on over 50 Russian vessels that are helping Russia export oil and other energy resources.
"The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, in the Marine vessels section of the War&Sanctions portal, has revealed a list of 51 vessels that Russia is using as a resource to fill its military coffers with oil dollars and continue its aggression against Ukraine," the intelligence report notes.
The update includes oil tankers that facilitate the maritime export of Russian oil and petroleum products, as well as cargo ships that cooperate with Russia and call at closed ports in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine, specifically in Mariupol and Kerch.
Russia systematically uses maritime logistics not only to export energy resources but also to transport stolen Ukrainian resources, grain, ore, and coal. At the same time, Russia is attempting to integrate the occupied territories into its own economic system by opening Ukrainian ports to foreign vessels.
To cover up such activities, Russia employs schemes involving ships flying the flags of third countries, particularly those that officially support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ship captains remain a key link in this logistics chain; they are the ones who possess full information about the origin and nature of the cargo, as well as the shipping routes.
Combating Russia's shadow fleet
Recently, at least 8 sanctioned oil tankers transited the English Channel despite the British government’s announcement of a crackdown on the shadow fleet.
The new package of sanctions against Russia being prepared by the EU is intended to block the Russian shadow fleet, which allows Moscow to generate revenue from oil.
Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service has reported on the Kremlin’s plans to increase the number of oil tankers sailing under the Russian flag.
