U.K. Intensifies Measures Against Russias Covert Maritime Operations

On Tuesday, Britain introduced additional sanctions targeting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” adding 20 vessels to its blacklist along with 10 individuals and entities associated with the nation’s energy and shipping industries.

Security experts indicate that this aging fleet is being utilized by Moscow to bypass international sanctions that prevent it from selling oil.

Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by President Vladimir Putin in February 2022, the U.K. and European Union have sanctioned hundreds of vessels.

The latest batch of asset freezes from Britain includes the Orion Star Group and Rosneft Marine (U.K.), both identified as major players in Russia’s energy field, and a deep-sea research unit belonging to the Russian Defense Ministry.

Additionally, two U.K. citizens, Vladimir Pristoupa and Olech Tkacz, were sanctioned for allegedly running a clandestine network of shell companies that routed over $120 million worth of advanced electronics to Russia.

Despite Russia’s economy managing to endure the sanctions, British officials assert that they are having a significant impact.

“These sanctions hit at the core of Putin’s war efforts, restricting his capacity to sustain his brutal campaign in Ukraine,” stated Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “We will not hesitate to keep up the pressure.”

According to Downing Street, these sanctions have cost Russia at least $450 billion, claiming that this figure could equate to about two additional years of funding for the invasion.

Since 2022, the U.K. has imposed sanctions on more than 2,300 individuals, entities, and vessels.

Starmer expressed hopes for coordinating new actions with G7 allies who are meeting this week in Canada.

“This is an opportunity to amplify economic pressure and demonstrate to President Putin that it is in his and Russia’s best interest to genuinely pursue peace,” he noted.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had aimed to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump for stronger sanctions during the summit, but Trump departed early due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, stating he had “major commitments” back in Washington.

The EU has implemented 18 rounds of sanctions against Russia since the onset of the conflict.

Downing Street remarked that recent intelligence indicates Western restrictions are presenting “considerable challenges” for Russian state enterprises, resulting in budget shortfalls, project delays, and increasing debt amidst rising interest rates.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy commented that the new sanctions “demonstrate our commitment to systematically dismantle [Putin’s] perilous shadow fleet, deplete his war resources, and bolster Ukraine’s defense efforts.”