AUSTRALIA TAKES AIM AT RUSSIA'S 'SHADOW FLEET'
Australia imposes sanctions on Russia's furtive oil-tanker group
For the first time ever, Australia has taken a swipe at Russia's sneaky fleet of oil tankers, officially imposing sanctions on these shady vessels and their illicit operations. According to the government's statement, this move is a direct response to Russia's scaling of international sanctions and its barbaric war against Ukraine.
These 60 vessels, a part of the shadow fleet that's already received sanctions from Australia's partners like Britain, Canada, and the European Union, are now in the crosshairs.
"These tankers help Russia evade global sanctions, prolonging its aggressive and unjustified war on Ukraine," said the Australian department of foreign affairs in a blunt statement. These oil smugglers operate under deceitful tactics, according to the government, including flag-hopping, disabling tracking systems, and maintaining inadequate insurance coverage[5].
To date, Australia has slapped over 1,400 sanctions on Russia since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which it deems illegal and inhumane. Recently, Australia criticized a bogus trial that resulted in Australian fighter Oscar Jenkins receiving a 13-year sentence in a penal colony, after his capture while fighting for Ukraine[6].
Last month, Canberra made a strong statement denouncing the trial, emphasizing the harsh and unjust nature of the decision[6].
In addition to Australia's action, international efforts to end the war in Ukraine and impose further sanctions are intensifying. For instance, the UK has announced an extended sanctions package targeting Russian financial, military, and energy sectors[6].
In essence, Australia's sanctions on Russia's shadow fleet constitute a well-aimed effort to disrupt and disintegrate the network of oil tankers responsible for evading sanctions by changing vessel registration or naming. These sanctions prevent the vessels from accessing Australian ports and operating within certain areas, effectively crippling their operations[1][2][4][5].
The Australian government's sanctions on Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers is a part of the broader international policy and legislation aimed at curbing war-and-conflicts, specifically Russia's war against Ukraine. This move also underscores the politics surrounding the general news of global sanctions, as Australia aligns itself with its global partners in challenging Russia's illicit operations.
