Local sources from United Kingdom: GOV.UK, BBC.
UK coverage: BBC.
In a significant escalation of pressure on Moscow, the United Kingdom is gearing up to announce a comprehensive package of sanctions targeting the so-called ‘shadow fleet’ of oil tankers, which are instrumental in circumventing Western sanctions imposed on Russian energy exports. This move, as articulated by Downing Street, is a direct response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and aims at chipping away at the financial resources funding the Kremlin’s military actions in the conflict. The ‘shadow fleet,’ criticized for engaging in reckless activities and posing threats to undersea infrastructure, will face stringent measures, including being barred from British ports and their detention within UK waters. This initiative is part of a collaborative effort with the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) nations to bolster support for Ukraine and intensify economic constraints on Russia, building on previous sanctions targeting 133 similar vessels. The UK Prime Minister, during a meeting in Oslo, disclosed plans to hit up to 100 oil tankers involved in transporting cargo worth over $24 billion, signaling the UK’s largest ever sanctions package against this covert maritime operation. These sanctions not only aim to undermine Russia’s economic stability amidst the ongoing conflict but also to protect European subsea infrastructure, highlighting the UK’s commitment to national security and the safeguarding of critical assets. Furthermore, the UK is bolstering its strategic partnerships, including a strengthened alliance with Ukraine and a new space domain awareness memorandum with Norway, underlining the multifaceted approach to dealing with the threats posed by Russia’s actions in Ukraine. This decisive step by the UK government, underlining the severity with which it views the shadow fleet’s role in supporting Russia’s military efforts, comes as global tensions continue to mount over the conflict in Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in the international community’s response to Moscow’s aggression.
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