Ukraine, in collaboration with the European Union, is advancing legislative measures aimed at seizing Russian and Iranian oil from vessels associated with a so-called “shadow fleet.” This initiative is part of a broader strategy to counteract attempts by Russia to circumvent sanctions through illegal oil shipments.
President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the importance of establishing legal frameworks that would be enacted following the interception of these tankers. He highlighted that these efforts are crucial in responding systematically to Russia’s tactics.
Recently, Zelensky praised European nations for detaining a Russian tanker linked to the shadow fleet, urging not only for the blocking of such vessels but also for the confiscation of the oil they transport to enhance European security.
The incident involved a sanctioned vessel carrying Russian oil, which was intercepted by France while sailing under a different flag in the Mediterranean Sea. Zelensky pointed out that this tanker is already under sanctions from Ukraine, the UK, the EU, and the US, yet it continues to be utilized by Russia for transporting both Russian and Iranian oil.
The President also described Russia and Iran as partners in this illicit trade and called for increased pressure on Moscow. The shadow fleet, as noted, consists of a network of ships employed by Russia to bypass Western sanctions and facilitate oil exports, thereby sustaining its military operations against Ukraine.
Ukraine and the EU are working on new laws to confiscate oil from Russian and Iranian vessels as part of efforts to counteract sanctions evasion. President Zelensky has called for heightened measures against the shadow fleet that supports Russia's war efforts.