Trump Urges China, India to Halt Russian Oil Imports via 'Ghost Ships'
President Donald Trump has urged China and India to halt their purchases of Russian oil, as the Kremlin uses 'ghost ships' to evade sanctions and supply energy to these major importers. The Trump administration is intensifying economic pressure to end Russia's war in Ukraine.
The U.S. has expressed concern over the use of 'dark ships'—tankers that avoid commercial tracking systems—to deliver Russian oil to ports in China and India. Russia, as the primary supplier, and China and India, as the main importers, are employing these tactics to circumvent sanctions. The Trump administration views these actions as active support for Russia's war in Ukraine.
The shadow fleet has grown in size, with some ships intercepted, but a comprehensive approach is needed to halt the practice. China, as the leading importer of Iranian oil and the second-largest buyer of Russian crude, and India, which has faced U.S. tariffs on its imports, are both significant customers of sanctioned Russian oil.
President Trump has called on China and India to stop buying Russian oil, citing the use of 'ghost ships' to evade sanctions. The U.S. sees these purchases as supporting Russia's war in Ukraine and is stepping up economic pressure to end the conflict. A more comprehensive approach is needed to address the growing shadow fleet delivering sanctioned oil to these countries.
