Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: EU sanctions nine shadow fleet enablers

On 15 December, the Council of the European Union sanctioned an additional five individuals and four entities responsible for supporting Russia’s shadow fleet and its value chain, with a view to further curbing Russia’s revenue generating abilities.

The listed individuals are businessmen directly or indirectly linked to major Russian state-owned oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil. The list includes two Azerbaijani nationals.

“They are all involved in an economic sector providing a substantial source of revenue to the Government of the Russian Federation,” said a press release by the Council of the EU. “Additionally, they control vessels transporting crude oil or petroleum products, originating in Russia or being exported from Russia, concealing the actual origin of the oil, while practicing irregular and high-risk shipping practices.”

The targeted entities are shipping companies based in the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and Russia. The companies own or manage tankers that are subject to restrictive measures imposed by the EU or by other countries for being part of Russia’s shadow fleet, and that transport crude oil or petroleum products while practicing irregular and high-risk shipping practices.

Those designated are subject to an asset freeze, and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Individuals are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU member states. 

Sanctions apply to over 2,600 individuals and entities targeted in response to Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine.

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Press release