Britain imposed sanctions on Tuesday on 20 tankers that illegally transported Russian petroleum products, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said. He added that his government would give Ukraine 35 million pounds ($44 million) to repair its energy infrastructure, which has been the target of Russian attacks.
“While Putin profits from the oil that fuels his illegal war, Ukrainian families are shelled by endless Russian missile attacks and endure cold, dark nights, often without heat, light or electricity,” Starmer said. He added that these sanctions will contribute to “increasing pressure on Putin's failing economy.”
New sanctions
The British government explained that the sanctions covered include: Ocean Faye, Andaman Skies and Mianzimu ships; each of them transported over 4 million barrels of Russian oil this year. As part of the restrictions imposed, tankers will not be able to use British ports or will be limited to a very limited extent. Also on Monday Great Britain together with eleven Western countries, reached an agreement on coordinating actions aimed at combating the Russian shadow fleet.
Shadow fleet in your sights
Also Monday in Brussels EU foreign ministers imposed restrictions on 84 people and entities involved in support Russia during her invasion of Ukraineas well as hybrid attacks by this country on the territory of the European Union and circumvention of sanctions, including the use of the Russian so-called shadow fleet, i.e. tankers secretly transporting Russian oil. The EU has especially targeted Russian arms companies and shipping companies from the so-called shadow fleets, providing Moscow with rich revenues.
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/GRIGORY SYSOEV / SPUTNIK / KREMLIN POOL