Western Nations Target Russian 'Shadow Fleet' with Sanctions and Inspections

A coalition of 12 countries announces measures to curb Russia's unregulated tanker fleet, citing environmental and security concerns.

The so-called Russian 'shadow fleet,' used to transport oil, weapons, and grain in violation of sanctions, faces new restrictions from Western nations.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that vessels without proper insurance will be detained or added to sanctions lists as part of a systematic effort to disrupt the fleet.
The UK sanctioned 20 additional tankers, restricting their access to British ports, and has now sanctioned over 100 ships transporting Russian energy.
Six countries, including the UK, Denmark, and Sweden, will begin inspecting insurance documents in key maritime regions such as the English Channel and the Gulf of Finland.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky supported the initiative, highlighting both the environmental and financial threats posed by the aging, unregulated tankers.