The United Kingdom plans to launch a 'call to action' with its allies from the European Union (EU) in a bid to put the squeeze on ‘shadow fleet’ tankers used by Russia to assail shipping sanctions imposed because of the war on Ukraine.
According to individuals familiar with the matter and documents reviewed by Bloomberg, a group of unspecified governments is expected to support a proposal during a European Political Community gathering organised in the UK by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The objective is to exchange data regarding the Russian fleet “to synchronise our reactions to the dangers presented by its vessels and supporters, and to cooperate with private enterprises and additional maritime participants to tackle the risk,” as stated in a preliminary declaration.
The move comes as Western nations continue to ramp up pressure on Russia's ability to export its oil in the wake of the Ukraine invasion.
The 'shadow fleet' refers to a network of older tankers and obscure shipping companies that have been used by Russia to transport its crude oil to buyers, often at discounted prices, while circumventing sanctions.
By coordinating monitoring and enforcement efforts, the UK and its EU allies aim to disrupt Russia's ability to utilise this fleet and further limit its access to global energy markets.
The initiative is expected to involve increased inspections, information sharing, and collaboration with the private sector to identify and target vessels engaged in sanction evasion.
This latest move is part of the West's ongoing campaign to choke off Russia's oil revenues, which have been a crucial source of funding for its military operations in Ukraine.
While the impact remains to be seen, the coordinated effort signals the determination of UK and EU policy makers to maintain economic pressure on Moscow.
