The UK has announced its largest wave of sanctions yet against Russia’s shadow fleet, including 30 vessels and insurance companies facilitating the fleet's operations. This move targets ships that failed to provide correct insurance while passing through the English Channel.
The new sanctions bring the total number of Russian oil tankers sanctioned by the UK to 73. The UK government emphasized that these measures would further limit Russia’s ability to fund its war in Ukraine and its global activities.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy reiterated the UK's commitment to disrupting Russia’s oil revenues, which are fueling its military actions in Ukraine.
This sanction wave also highlights the impact of the UK Department for Transport’s new insurance reporting mechanism, which has led to challenges for over 43 vessels suspected of having improper insurance. On November 12, the Russian vessel Ksena ignored UK authorities' challenges and has now been sanctioned.
Additionally, Russian insurers Alfastrakhovanie and VSK have been sanctioned for supporting the shadow fleet's operations.
