UK Targets 40 More Russian Oil Ships in New Sanctions

The United Kingdom is set to enforce another round of sanctions on Russia’s oil trade by targeting an additional 40 vessels.

This marks the most extensive sanctions campaign against Russia’s shadow fleet, bringing the total number of oil tankers blacklisted by the UK to 133—more than any other European country.

In its sanctions release, Britain revealed that the affected ships had carried over $5bn worth of Russian oil and oil products in just the past six months.

Last November, the UK blacklisted 30 ships in what became its second-largest action against the shadow fleet, and in December, another 20 vessels were added to the list.

“The new sanctions will put further pressure on Putin’s energy revenues, the most vital source of funding for his illegal invasion,” stated Britain’s Foreign Office.

Earlier on Monday, the European Union unveiled its 16th package of sanctions against Russia, which included 74 new vessels, increasing the EU’s total to 153.