Britain prepares sanctions against Russia’s "shadow fleet" worth $24 billion, – Starmer

According to Ukrinform, citing a statement from the UK government, Keir Starmer is set to announce this on Friday during the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) summit in Oslo.

The new sanctions will affect 100 vessels that have transported Russian oil worth more than 24 billion dollars since the beginning of 2024.

It is noted that the goal of these new measures is to stop the Kremlin from financing its aggressive war against Ukraine, enhance the security of critical infrastructure in the UK and Europe, and protect the environment.

"Every step we take to increase pressure on Russia and achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine is another step towards the security and prosperity of the United Kingdom," Starmer stated.

According to him, the threat to the UK’s national security from Russia cannot be underestimated. "That is why we will do everything possible to dismantle its ’shadow fleet’, deprive its war machine of oil revenues, and protect the underwater infrastructure we rely on in our daily lives," the head of the government emphasized.

British officials indicate that the activities of the "shadow fleet", managed by Putin’s inner circle, not only finance the war in Ukraine but also pose a direct threat to the critical infrastructure of Northern Europe, particularly through accidents or planned incidents.

According to London’s estimates, since the introduction of Western sanctions in 2022, Russia’s oil and gas revenues have fallen by more than a third. The Russian welfare fund is shrinking, inflation is rising, and the Kremlin’s defense spending is reaching record levels.

During the summit in Oslo, an announcement is also expected regarding the strengthening of cooperation between Ukraine and the JEF. It is anticipated that participating countries will more actively involve Ukrainian military personnel in joint exercises, experience sharing, and strengthening the fight against disinformation.

The Joint Expeditionary Force is a defense initiative of ten countries: the United Kingdom, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. Ukraine actively cooperates with the JEF in the military sphere.