Since the start of the war in Ukraine, transporting and selling Russian oil has become more expensive for Moscow. At issue: Western sanctions. But some foreign-flagged oil tankers operating for Russia are slipping through the cracks. London announces sanctions.
Access to Russian oil will become more complicated
London is intensifying its measures against Russia by targeting its “ghost fleet”. This is a network of oil tankers used to circumvent international sanctions. During the summit of the British Expeditionary Force, the government announced the addition of 20 ships to its sanctions list, bringing the total to more than a hundred vessels targeted. This fleet, made up of often old and undeclared vessels, allows Moscow to continue its oil exports despite restrictions imposed by the West.
Since the start of Western sanctions, Russia has implemented a sophisticated system of evasion through ships operating under dubious foreign flags. These vessels escape standard maritime controls, often without insurance, and continue to transport oil to destinations beyond the reach of European sanctions.
To counter this strategy, several nations bordering the Baltic Sea, such as Sweden, Poland and Denmark, are working with the United Kingdom to strengthen maritime controls. The authorities now systematically demand documents proving insurance from suspect vessels. Estonia has already inspected more than 200 ships since the summer of 2024, a measure considered crucial to combat this maritime parallel economy.
A worrying ecological threat
In addition to its financial impact, The ghost fleet is a source of major environmental concern. The Baltic Sea, a particularly fragile ecosystem, could suffer catastrophic damage in the event of an oil leak. The risks linked to the obsolescence of ships and their operation not in compliance with international standards are pushing twelve countries to engage in increased surveillance.
This collective initiative aims to limit the dangers by mapping the movements of these clandestine ships. Until now, only the British and Estonians carried out systematic inspections, but this practice should be extended to ensure better regulation.
Alongside these new sanctions, the United Kingdom announces financial aid of 35 million pounds (around 42 million euros) to support Ukraine in the face of the collapse of its energy infrastructure. This includes £20 million for urgent repairs to the electricity network and £15 million to provide essential products such as thermal kits and generators.
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