US lawmakers push White House to tighten sanctions on Russia's shadow fleet
Photo: Congress calls on White House to tighten sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet (Getty Images)
American lawmakers have urged the administration of US President Donald Trump to impose significantly broader economic restrictions on vessels of Russia’s shadow fleet, citing a letter from the senators.
The letter was signed by Republican Senator Roger Wicker, Republican Congressman Joe Wilson, Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, and Democratic Congressman Steve Cohen.
In the appeal, the lawmakers noted that amid Russia’s continued illegal aggressive war against Ukraine, they are calling for the introduction of new sanctions against the shadow fleet.
The congressmen also drew attention to the fact that the European Union recently expanded its restrictive measures by adding another one hundred vessels linked to Russia to the sanctions list, as well as entities involved in this large-scale illegal network.
“We hope that, with your leadership, the United States will follow suit, acting in concert with our allies and ensuring that Russia can no longer evade accountability,” the lawmakers emphasized.
According to them, Russian president Vladimir Putin must realize that the United States will hold him accountable for brutal strikes on Ukraine, as well as for attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, by imposing real sanctions consequences.
“We should also seek to close the loopholes by which he attempts to evade those consequences. Expanding the current shadow fleet sanctions to match those of our European partners is the next necessary step to cut off the resources Russia is using to fund its merciless attacks on Ukraine,” the letter says.
US pressure on the shadow fleet
In early January, the United States seized two tankers linked to Russia. In particular, the tanker Marinera, sailing under the Russian flag, was stopped in the ocean between Iceland and the British Isles. The operation was carried out by the US Coast Guard, which 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 Burevestmarine, whose director and sole owner is businessman Ilya Bugai from Crimea occupied by Russia.
