UK Unveils Historic Sanctions Targeting Russia's Covert Oil Shipping Network

The UK Government has just unveiled its most extensive sanctions package yet, targeting a fleet of oil tankers that Russia allegedly uses to evade international restrictions and finance its military actions in Ukraine.Around 100 oil tankers, thought to be part of President Putin’s covert operations, are now facing sanctions. Since early 2024, these ships have transported over $24 billion worth of oil, allowing Russia to sidestep global sanctions and secure vital funds for its ongoing conflict.

Officials from the UK assert that this shadow fleet not only supports the unlawful invasion of Ukraine but also poses a notable risk to crucial underwater infrastructure across Europe. Many of these older vessels are reported to engage in reckless navigation practices that threaten essential undersea cables and pipelines critical for modern interaction and energy supply.

Protecting this subsea infrastructure is paramount since it facilitates 99% of global telecommunications as well as essential resources like electricity, gas, and oil. The sanctioned ships often lack necessary safety certifications or ignore navigation protocols altogether; some even disable their tracking systems intentionally—making them a considerable danger to vital infrastructure.the Prime Minister emphasized the UK’s commitment to dismantling this shadow fleet using all available means while safeguarding both infrastructure and environmental integrity. This announcement aligns with discussions at the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) summit happening in Oslo, Norway—a gathering where leaders from ten northern European nations are addressing regional security concerns.

A key topic at the summit is the increasing threat posed by suspicious maritime activities on undersea structures.In response to these risks, JEF activated an advanced monitoring system called Nordic Warden earlier this year.This initiative aims to track potential threats against underwater assets following damage reports on a major cable in the Baltic Sea.

Currently monitored areas include critical maritime zones such as the English Channel and North Sea from JEF’s operations centre based in Northwood, UK. Officials made it clear: those aiding Russia’s war efforts will face consequences nonetheless of their location.

A government spokesperson noted that since 2022, Russia’s revenue from oil and gas has plummeted considerably due to persistent Western sanctions—over one-third lost within three years—while inflation rises alongside defense spending pressures on national wealth reserves.

During discussions at the summit, JEF leaders plan on strengthening ties with Ukraine through enhanced military training programs and collaborative defense technology initiatives aimed at countering disinformation campaigns too.

This marks Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s second trip to Norway; his first was back in December 2024 when he visited bergen for launching a Green Industrial Partnership focused on clean energy collaboration between both nations—a deal recently signed by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband during this visit.

Moreover, there’s anticipation around signing a new memorandum regarding space domain awareness which will bolster intelligence sharing capabilities related to satellites and space debris impacting orbital infrastructures. The UK is also gearing up for its inaugural scheduled space launches later this year from SaxaVord located in Shetland Islands!

The Joint Expeditionary Force comprises nine countries led by the UK including Denmark, Estonia, Finland among others—all united towards enhancing regional security measures along with rapid response strategies among allied nations!