By Jos Standerwick, CEO, Maritime London

 

On 24 February, the EU announced the 16th Russian sanctions package, which included 74 vessel designations; the EU has now sanctioned over 150 ships. This new set of sanctions aligns with the 3rd anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Importantly, the latest package includes a new criterion; targeting those who support the operations of unsafe oil tankers. More information on the additional listing criterion can be found here.

Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, said:

"For three years now, Russia has relentlessly bombed Ukraine, attempting to steal land that isn’t theirs to take. This new round of sanctions not only targets the Russian shadow fleet but those who support the operation of unsafe oil tankers, videogame controllers used to pilot drones, banks used to circumvent our sanctions, and propaganda outlets used to spout lies. There is no doubt about who the aggressor is, who should pay and be held accountable for this war. Every sanction package deprives the Kremlin of funds to wage war. With talks underway to end Russia’s aggression, we must put Ukraine in the strongest possible position. Sanctions provide leverage."

A list of all vessels sanctioned can be found here under Annex XLII.

In conjunction with the EU sanctions package, the UK announced its largest sanctions package since 2022. The package included 40 vessels. The UK government has cited that these vessels have collectively carried more than $5 billion worth of Russian oil and oil products in the last six months alone. The specifications bring the total number of oil tankers sanctioned by the UK to 133.

UK Foreign Security, David Lammy said:

"Today’s action, the largest in almost 3 years, underscores the UK’s commitment to Ukraine."   

"Every military supply line disrupted, every rouble blocked, and every enabler of Putin’s aggression exposed is a step towards a just and lasting peace, and towards security and prosperity in the UK as a part of this government’s Plan for Change2. 

"Lasting peace will only be achieved through strength. That is why we are focused on putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position."     

"As the world marks the grim milestone of Putin’s full-scale invasion entering its fourth year, we cannot and will not turn our backs on Ukraine in their fight for our shared security."

You can search UK sanctioned vessels here.

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