Australia imposes sanctions on Russia's "Shadow fleet"
Canberra has delivered a targeted blow to a key element of Russia’s oil trade — 60 vessels bypassing sanctions have come under strict restrictions.
Photo: IAEA Imagebank, CC BY 2.0
Australia has, for the first time, imposed sanctions on Russia’s “shadow fleet” — 60 vessels that, according to authorities, helped the Kremlin circumvent international oil restrictions and fund the war in Ukraine.
This was announced on June 18 by Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
According to the minister’s office, the vessels were changing flags, disabling tracking systems, and using questionable insurance to secretly transport Russian oil and other sanctioned goods.
They are now banned from entering Australian ports and from receiving insurance or technical services.
Similar measures are being adopted by Canada, the United Kingdom, and the EU.
As noted by Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, this is one of Australia’s most powerful sanction packages ever.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia has already been hit with more than 1,400 sanctions by Australia.
Canberra states that its support for Ukraine will continue until its territorial integrity is fully restored.
Earlier, it was reported that the EU approved its 17th sanctions package against Russia, targeting the so-called “shadow fleet” that helps Moscow secretly export oil in violation of restrictions.
It also became known that Ursula von der Leyen announced the preparation of a new tough EU sanctions package against Russia, affecting banks, the “shadow fleet,” and gas infrastructure.