Latest Clampdown on Russian Oil Tankers: A Persistent Cat-and-Mouse Game
Russia's sanctions are deemed as pointless by Peskov
In the ever-escalating tug-of-war, Russia flaunts an unfazed demeanor, brushing off the latest sanctions as just another day at the office. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov coolly declared, "We've grown accustomed to sanctions, and we already have our response playbook. Trying to rattle us with sanctions is pointless."
This bold statement came in response to the UK's announcement of heavy-handed sanctions on May 9, 2025, targeting 100 Russian oil tankers allegedly linked to Russia's infamous 'shadow fleet.' These sanctions, according to RBC Group, mark the UK's largest sanctions package yet against oil tankers associated with Russia.[1]
Meanwhile, UK's Labour Party leader, Starmer, announced these sanctions at the United Expeditionary Forces summit in Oslo. The British government described these measures as the "most significant" to date against oil tankers associated with Russia.[1]
Sanctioned Vessels and the Price Cap
The sweeping new sanctions launched by the EU, U.K., and U.S. in early 2025 expanded the list of sanctioned vessels considerably. Besides the UK's sanctions, these measures aim to restrict Russia's oil transportation above the imposed price cap, which has already dented Russia's crude oil export revenues.[2]
To enforce these sanctions, enforcement bodies are now instructed to crack down on entities violating the price cap, including insurers, shippers, and vessel owners. Violators face a ban on maritime services and potentially endless fines.[2]
Russia's Counterstrategy: The Shadow Fleet
While Russia hasn't made any direct statements about these recent sanctions, it's been busy building its own 'shadow fleet' of oil tankers. This strategy involves purchasing old vessels, often with the help of Western shipowners, to bypass sanctions and maintain its oil export capabilities.[1] Russia's shadow fleet operations remain a key part of its attempts to dodge sanctions and sustain economic activity despite international pressures.
The War's Economic Battleground
The ongoing sanctions against Russia are a crucial part of an international effort to force Russia to cease its invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. has even suggested easing sanctions as a part of peace negotiations to end the war.[1] Nevertheless, Russia continues to rely heavily on its shadow fleet to keep its oil trade afloat, a vital source of funding for its military operations.[4]
[1] RBC Group (2025). UK to Announce Largest Sanctions on Russian Oil Tankers. [Online]. Available: https://www.rbc.ru/business/25/05/2025/5e9e704c9a79474dc0872c2b
[2] Council on Foreign Relations (2025). U.S. and Allies Imposed Sanctions on Crude Oil Price Cap. [Online]. Available: https://www.cfr.org/article/us-allies-imposed-sanctions-crude-oil-price-cap
[3] Reuters (2025). Factbox: How the EU, U.S., and U.K. Expanded Sanctions on Russia. [Online]. Available: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/factbox-how-eu-us-uk-expanded-sanctions-russia-2025-05-10/
[4] Bloomberg (2025). Russia's Shadow Fleet Revealed. [Online]. Available: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-05-12/russia-s-shadow-fleet-revealed
- In response to the UK's announcement of sanctions on May 9, 2025, targeting 100 Russian oil tankers, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, stated that Russia has grown accustomed to sanctions and already has a response playbook.
- The UK's Labour Party leader, Starmer, announced these sanctions at the United Expeditionary Forces summit in Oslo, with the British government describing them as the "most significant" against oil tankers associated with Russia.
- The ongoing sanctions against Russia, such as those announced by the UK, are a crucial part of an international effort to force Russia to cease its invasion of Ukraine.
- Despite these sanctions, Russia has been building its own 'shadow fleet' of oil tankers, involving the purchase of old vessels to bypass sanctions and maintain its oil export capabilities.
