The British government has taken action against Russia’s “shadow fleet” of tankers, which are used to export oil in violation of Western sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine. This move is part of ongoing efforts to target key revenue sources funding Putin’s aggression, with 25 ships now facing sanctions.
Foreign Minister David Lammy’s visit to Kyiv alongside U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlights the collaborative approach to addressing the crisis. The latest sanctions specifically target 10 high-volume offending ships, restricting their access to UK ports and the British Ship Register.
Lammy emphasized the importance of these measures in disrupting Russia’s oil trading operations and showing support for Ukraine. Discussions in Kyiv also focus on potentially easing restrictions on long-range missile use against Russia, signaling a shift in the international response to the conflict.
Overall, the sanctions aim to curb Russia’s ability to support its military actions through illegal means, reinforcing the message of solidarity with Ukraine and intolerance for illicit activities.