EU, UK Sanction Russia’s Shadow Fleet
The European Union and the United Kingdom escalated pressure on Moscow Tuesday with sweeping new sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow oil fleet and its broader network of hybrid warfare, cyber operations, and arms procurement.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the bloc’s 17th sanctions package, which includes nearly 200 shadow fleet tankers, dozens of individuals and companies, and actors involved in disinformation and hacking. “The longer Russia wages war, the tougher our response,” she said on X.
The measures also hit companies in third countries supplying machinery and components for Russia’s drone and weapons manufacturing. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed work is already underway on an 18th package, potentially targeting foreign banks aiding Russia’s defense sector.
UK Sanctions British Financier for Tanker Deals
In a parallel move, the UK sanctioned 74-year-old British accountant John Michael Ormerod for aiding Russia’s oil exports through his role in procuring tankers on behalf of Lukoil. Ormerod allegedly acquired 25 vessels through Marshall Islands-based shell companies, funded by Lukoil’s Dubai affiliate, Eiger Shipping.
According to UK authorities, the tankers went on to transport over 120 million barrels of Russian oil. Ormerod’s lawyers insisted he conducted “extensive due diligence” and exited involvement by September 2023, before any sanctions were imposed on the ships.
G7 Considers Oil Cap, Banking Crackdown
Looking ahead, G7 finance ministers will meet in Canada this week to discuss further action. Proposals include lowering the price cap on Russian oil and sanctioning banks in third countries that facilitate Moscow’s military-industrial activities.
These steps come amid growing Western frustration over Russia’s continued evasion of sanctions through maritime loopholes, front companies, and unregulated financial channels.