The United Kingdom has imposed the largest package of sanctions to date against Russia's shadowy oil tanker fleet. This was reported by the British government's press service.
Another 18 ships of the shadow fleet will be banned from visiting UK ports and will not be able to access the world's leading British maritime services, bringing the total number of oil tankers under sanctions to 43.
The shadow fleet seeks to undermine sanctions and poses a clear and present danger. We are talking about environmental risks, such as oil spills as a result of gross violations of basic safety standards, as well as risks to the security of global trade.
At the European Political Community summit in July, the British Prime Minister called for a crackdown on the shadow fleet. Today, the United States and Canada have joined 44 European countries and the EU in working together to tackle the risks posed by the shadow fleet.
The United Kingdom's relentless action against the shadow fleet is damaging the system and depriving Putin's war machine of important revenue. Last year alone, the oil tankers that are now under sanctions carried approximately $4.9 billion worth of cargo.
In addition to the actions against the shadow fleet, the UK imposed sanctions on 4 more liquefied natural gas tankers and the Russian gas company JSC Rusgazdobycha. Britain continues to increase pressure on the Russian gas industry: the flagship company Gazprom posted a significant net loss of $6.9 billion in 2023, its first annual loss in more than 20 years.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said that Russia's malicious activities in all spheres must be tackled. He noted that Russia's shadow fleet threatens the coastlines of Europe and the world.