War in Ukraine. Bloomberg: UK joins EU nations in targeting Russia’s shadow fleet

The United Kingdom and some EU countries intend to take new measures against a shadow fleet of oil tankers that the Russian Federation uses to circumvent international sanctions, Bloomberg reports, citing its sources and relevant documents.

According to them, this plan should be approved during the meeting of the European Political Community, which will take place this Thursday, July 18. The publication does not reveal how many countries should contribute to this plan.

The states intend to exchange information on the Russian Navy to coordinate measures to respond to the risks posed by its ships and intermediaries. They will also collaborate with the private sector and other stakeholders.

According to journalists, the countries will create a group that will urgently take “concrete measures” to make it even more difficult for Russia to profit from its oil resources. One of the interlocutors told journalists that the list of sanctions applied to Russian ships may be expanded as a result of these measures.

AP/Scanpix/Russian Navy

Russia’s “shadow fleet” poses a threat to our countries and other states that depend on the world’s seas and oceans. Many of the ships in this “shadow fleet” are uninsured and poorly maintained. Many of them carry out activities that violate basic safety and environmental protection standards and regulations,” the document reads.

Still in 2022 At the end of last year, the Financial Times reported that Moscow had built a “fleet” of more than 100 tankers to help it transport the sanctioned oil.

The European Union has banned the import of crude oil and refined oil products delivered by sea from Russia. EU countries also agreed to introduce a price ceiling of 60 US dollars per barrel for Russian oil.

Ukraine is targeting Russia’s oil industry with long-range drone strikes in a concerted effort to counter one of Russia’s main sources of money to finance the war.

March. The publication “Bloomberg” reported that these strikes disrupted 12-14 percent. Russia’s oil refining capacity. Strikes against Russian energy facilities in April. received criticism from US officials.

Washington has said it does not support Ukraine’s attacks on oil refineries, citing fears it could threaten the global energy market.