EU expands sanctions against Russian «shadow fleet» participants

The Council of the European Union has decided to impose new sanctions against individuals and companies involved in the operation of the so-called “shadow fleet” of the Russian Federation. The restrictive measures are aimed at reducing financial revenues to the Russian budget and increasing pressure on key sources of income for the Russian economy.

According to an official statement on the EU Council website, five individuals and four organizations that play an active role in supporting illegal schemes for transporting Russian oil and petroleum products have been sanctioned. Brussels emphasizes that these actions are part of a systematic effort to limit Russia’s ability to circumvent international restrictions.

The sanctions apply, in particular, to businessmen who are directly or indirectly linked to Russia’s large state-owned oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil. All those on the list work in a strategically important sector of the economy that provides significant financial revenues for the Russian government.

According to the EU, these individuals directly control the tanker fleet used to transport Russian crude oil and petroleum products. They use illegal and risky shipping methods, including concealing the true origin of the cargo and manipulating supply routes.

The restrictive measures also apply to shipping companies registered in the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and the Russian Federation. These companies own or operate tankers that are already subject to EU or other sanctions and are used to transport oil in circumvention of existing international restrictions.

In addition to the financial and economic restrictions, individuals are banned from entering the European Union. The new sanctions are part of a broader EU sanctions regime that currently covers more than 2,600 individuals and entities and were introduced in response to Russia’s unprovoked military aggression against Ukraine.