Sanctions against ships: Ukraine launches a new control mechanism and bans the aggressor’s fleet from entering ports
1 December 2025 20:56
For the first time, Ukraine has imposed sanctions directly on the seagoing vessels of the aggressor state, introducing a new mechanism to control their access to Ukrainian ports. This was reported by the State Customs Service, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
After the President signed Decree No. 860/2025, which imposes 10-year sanctions against ships, the customs service quickly created and implemented specialized software called “Sanctions of Ships”. The system allows for the prompt identification of sanctioned vessels and prevents them from operating in Ukraine.
What the State Customs Service says
The State Customs Service emphasizes that the effectiveness of sanctions instruments is critical amid a full-scale war. Restrictions on ships should become an additional element of international pressure on Russia, along with sanctions against individuals and legal entities that were applied earlier.
How many vessels are on the sanctions list?
As of today, 56 ships are included in the sanctions list. If such a vessel enters a Ukrainian port, customs records its status, refuses customs clearance and blocks any operations, including unloading or loading.
Recently, the International Monetary Fund recommended that the State Customs Service be granted the status of a law enforcement agency, a move that would strengthen its ability to enforce sanctions controls.
