The UK has imposed sanctions on 30 ships that help Russia sell oil and petroleum products. These ships are called the “shadow fleet”. They operate outside Western rules to avoid getting caught by sanctions.
These vessels, often old and underinsured, make it easier for Russia to sell oil without being watched closely. This raises concerns about big oil spills and environmental damage. In the past year alone, half of these sanctioned ships have transported over $4.3 billion worth of oil and petroleum products.
The UK government says this is their biggest sanctions package so far. It will make it harder for Russia to get money to fund its war in Ukraine and other bad activities around the world.
With 73 oil tankers now sanctioned, the UK leads all countries in taking action against Russian ships. This announcement comes at a time when the British Foreign Secretary is pushing for more pressure on Russia’s military capabilities and support for Ukraine.
The UK Treasury has also targeted two Russian companies – Alfastrakhovanie and VSK Insurance House. They have frozen these companies’ UK assets and are stopping any transactions with them, as they are seen to be funding the war in Ukraine or helping the Russian government.