The EU increases pressure on Russia’s “shadow fleet”: 41 more vessels are sanctioned
18 December 2025 16:03
The European Union has imposed sanctions against 41 more vessels belonging to the so-called “shadow fleet” of Russia. The decision was made on December 18, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The sanctioned vessels are prohibited from entering EU ports and using a wide range of services related to maritime transportation.
What is the “Shadow Fleet”?
“The Shadow Fleet is a key tool that allows Russia to circumvent Western oil sanctions and sell raw materials, primarily to India and China, at discounted prices. Through these vessels, Moscow maintains significant export volumes despite the restrictions.
Scope of the restrictions
With the new decision, the total number of vessels under EU sanctions is close to 600. This is one of the largest targeted sets of sanctions in the maritime sector since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
The European Union has already adopted 19 sanctions packages against Russia
In total, the European Union has already adopted 19 sanctions packages against Russia. Nevertheless, the Kremlin has managed to partially adapt to the restrictions, primarily through alternative logistics and the use of ships that operate outside the Western system of insurance, certification, and control.
Tougher sanctions against the “shadow fleet” are aimed at complicating the transportation of Russian oil, increasing its cost for buyers and reducing budget revenues. At the same time, the effectiveness of the measures will largely depend on monitoring their compliance and the willingness of third countries to cooperate with the EU.
Restrictions against ships are part of the EU’s broader strategy to block ways to circumvent sanctions and reduce Russia’s financial resources to continue the war.
