US targets Russian shadow fleet amid illegal oil transport crackdown
The US administration is considering imposing strict sanctions on Russia, targeting its "shadow fleet." The sanctions aim to curb illegal oil transports through the Baltic. This information was provided by Fox News, citing sources in the White House.
The US president's administration plans to impose stringent sanctions on Russia, concentrating on its "shadow fleet." As reported by Fox News, the sanctions are set to affect illegal oil transport through the Baltic Sea. According to sources, the current sanctions level is deemed low, making the "shadow fleet" an accessible target.
Fox News sources report that US President Donald Trump is disappointed with the stance of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who, according to him, is delaying ceasefire negotiations.
Trump expressed his dissatisfaction in a conversation with NBC News, threatening to impose duties on Russian oil.
Transport flows through the Baltic
According to data, as much as 70% of illegal oil sales in Russia occur via the "shadow fleet."
Trump plans another phone call with Putin soon to discuss these matters.
Out of approximately 600 ships transporting Russian oil through the Baltic, nearly half belong to the so-called "shadow fleet," as a report by Yle established. Most of these vessels are 15 years old or older tankers.
The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) in Helsinki estimated that in the period from early 2022 to mid-2024, i.e., from the onset of Russian aggression on Ukraine, Russia transported nearly 374 million tonnes of oil or oil products worth over €220 (£184) billion through Baltic routes.
Main Russian oil terminals are located in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland in the St. Petersburg region, Primorsk, and Ust-Luga.
Russian "shadow tankers," not covered by Western insurance, play a significant role in circumventing sanctions imposed on the Kremlin by the G7 group.
