The UK government has imposed its largest-ever sanctions package against Russia’s shadow fleet with 30 ships targeted, foreign secretary David Lammy has announced.
Insurance companies enabling the fleet have also been sanctioned.
The ships are said to be responsible for transporting billions of pounds worth of oil and oil products last year alone. According to the government, “the move will further constrain the Kremlin’s ability to fund their illegal war in Ukraine”.
It brings the total number of oil tankers sanctioned by the UK to 73 – more than any other nation.
“Russia’s oil revenues are fuelling the fires of war and destruction in Ukraine,” Lammy said as he announced the move.
“I will work with our G7 partners and beyond to exert relentless pressure on the Kremlin, disrupt the flow of money into its war chest, erode its military machine, and constrain its malign behaviour worldwide.”
Speaking separately to reporters ahead of a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Italy, Lammy said it was “hugely important” for members to continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as the war lasts.
