The United Kingdom has made a significant move against Russia's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports by imposing sanctions on 18 additional Russian oil tankers and four LNG vessels. This marks the largest batch of sanctions to date against what the British government refers to as Russia's "shadow fleet."
The sanctioned vessels, including names like NS Bora, Atlas, and Moskovsky Prospect, will be barred from UK ports and will no longer have access to British maritime services. This brings the total number of Russian oil tankers sanctioned by the UK to 43.
The UK government is collaborating with maritime authorities to ensure that Russian vessels suspected of having dubious insurance provide full details of their insurance status as they navigate through the English Channel. This measure aims to clamp down on illicit practices intended to circumvent Western restrictions on Russian oil.
"Any actor that facilitates and supports Russia's malign activities could be exposing themselves to sanctions," the UK government stated, emphasizing its commitment to enforcing these restrictions.
In response, Russia has dismissed Western pressure to limit its oil exports, noting a rise in the number of tankers transporting cargoes not regulated or insured by conventional Western providers over the past year.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
