U.K. announces sanctions on 20 Russia ‘Shadow fleet’ ships

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks with crew in the Mess as he tours HMS Iron Duke in Tallinn, Estonia, on December 17, 2024.
| Photo Credit: AP

The U.K. government announced sanctions on 20 Russian ships, which it alleged are part of Moscow’s “shadow fleet” carrying Russian oil. Tuesday’s list includes Ocean Faye, Andaman Skies and Mianzimu, each of which has carried more than four million barrels of Russian oil this year, Downing Street said.

The U.K. has already sanctioned more than 100 Russian ships  dealing in Russian energy products, including 93 oil tankers, as per official data.  Britain also announced sanctions on energy companies 2Rivers DMCC and 2Rivers PTE LTD on Tuesday in addition to £35 million in emergency funding for Ukraine to repair its damaged energy grid.

“These sanctions will add further pressure to Mr. Putin’s stalling war economy, just as we strengthen Ukraine’s hand with new funding for emergency support to meet its humanitarian needs and for vital repairs to the energy system, to help Ukrainians living through the third winter of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion,” said British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.

On Monday, twelve European countries had agreed to “disrupt and deter” Russia’s “shadow fleet” ahead of a leader-level meeting of the 10-nation Joint Expeditionary Force in Tallinn, Estonia, on Tuesday.