Starmer announced the largest package of sanctions against Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’.
On May 9, the Prime Minister of Great Britain, Keir Starmer, announced the largest package of sanctions to date, aimed at the so-called “shadow fleet” of Russia. These measures paralyzed the activity of about 200 ships — almost half of the entire Russian fleet, informs Political.
“Securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and countering Russia’s malign influence around the world means a safer Britain at home. We are increasing our defense spending by £13.4bn a year to meet these challenges.” Keir Starmer said in a statement.
According to official data, since the beginning of 2024, tankers have transported more than £18 billion worth of Russian oil, despite sanctions restrictions imposed after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russia tried to circumvent these restrictions by creating a “shadow fleet” — old tankers with hidden owners and no transparent insurance.
“We stand against Putin, against his procrastination and retreat from peace, against his shadow fleet of oil tankers. We are determined to sink his failed ambitions to finance his illegal war through them – that is why we have today introduced the largest ever package of sanctions against them, covering 110 targets.” – emphasized the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Great Britain, David Lammy.
The new sanctions package targets not only oil vessels, but also those suspected of damaging critical underwater infrastructure. Tankers affected by the restrictions will not be allowed to enter British ports and may be detained in UK territorial waters. Similar restrictions were already discussed during the last meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) in December 2024.
