Fighting Russia's shadow fleet: Britain's new measures

The United Kingdom and the European Union are preparing to take decisive action against Russia's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers, a move aimed at increasing scrutiny under international sanctions. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, these measures will be discussed at the upcoming meeting of the European Political Community on July 18.

A coordinated response to a growing threat

The underground fleet that Russia uses to circumvent sanctions and export its oil poses significant risks to maritime security and economic stability. In response, the UK and EU member states plan to share intelligence on these vessels to better coordinate their actions. These efforts will involve working closely with the private sector and other relevant stakeholders to mitigate the risks posed by these unregulated vessels and their intermediaries.

Strengthening of sanctions and security measures

One of the key steps is the formation of a special task force to implement immediate concrete actions. These measures could expand the list of Russian vessels targeted by sanctions and make it increasingly difficult for Russia to earn profits from oil exports. A source familiar with the discussions said the move could lead to stricter rules and increased oversight of maritime operations.

Influence of the Shadow Fleet

The shadow fleet, which consists of more than 100 tankers, according to previous reports by the Financial Times, has become a critical tool for Russia to circumvent international sanctions. These vessels, often uninsured and poorly maintained, engage in activities that violate basic safety and environmental standards, posing a threat not only to sanctioning countries but also to global maritime operations.

The position of the EU regarding Russian oil

At the end of 2022, the European Union banned the import of crude oil and oil products from Russia by sea. In addition, EU countries have agreed to cap the price of Russian oil at $60 per barrel, further complicating Russia's ability to generate revenue from its natural resources.

The international community is watching closely as the UK and the EU prepare to implement these new measures. The coordinated response aims not only to more effectively apply existing sanctions, but also to ensure the security of global maritime operations.

Responding to threats posed by Russia's shadow fleet, the UK and the EU are taking significant steps to uphold international law and protect economic and environmental interests.

Additional source of information UNIAN 

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