The European Union has escalated its campaign against Russia’s shadow fleet, adding another 41 vessels to its sanctions list and taking the total number of designated ships to nearly 600, as Western powers intensify pressure on Moscow’s oil revenues. The latest EU move targets a mix of tankers accused of transporting Russian crude and petroleum products using what Brussels described as “irregular and high-risk shipping practices,” alongside five vessels allegedly involved in moving stolen Ukrainian grain and cultural goods from occupied territories. The sanctioned ships now face port access bans and restrictions on maritime services across EU member states. The EU also moved against individuals and companies facilitating these trades, including Pakistani-Canadian oil trader Murtaza Ali Lakhani and executives linked to 2Rivers Group, formerly Coral Energy, allegedly identified as a major intermediary for Russian oil exports since 2022. The EU and G7 are considering replacing the Russian oil price-cap regime with a blanket ban on Russia-linked maritime services, including shipping, insurance, crewing, and tanker operations, even for exports to third countries such as India and China. If included in the EU’s next sanctions package in early 2026, this would represent the EU’s most significant escalation of maritime restrictions to date, though it remains unclear whether and how such a ban could be implemented consistently across all G7 jurisdictions. Across the Channel, the UK mirrored parts of the EU action and went further, unveiling 24 new sanctions aimed at Russia’s energy sector and associated supply networks. London directly targeted four of Russia’s largest remaining unsanctioned oil producers – Tatneft, Russneft, NNK-Oil and Rusneftegaz Group – which together generate more than $20bn in revenue and account for close to a tenth of Russia’s recent oil exports. “With Russian oil revenues in free fall, now is the time to tighten the squeeze on Putin’s brutal war machine and bring Russia to the negotiation table,” said UK sanctions minister Stephen Doughty. “Our message is clear – the UK will not rest until Putin ends the bloodshed and there is a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.” UK foreign secretary Yvette Cooper stressed the coordinated nature of the Western response, saying: “At this critical moment for Ukraine, Europe is stepping up. Together, the UK and our allies are piling the pressure on Putin – going after his oil, gas and shadow fleet – and we will not relent until he abandons his failed war of conquest and gets serious about peace.” In Washington, the United States continues to signal readiness to escalate maritime sanctions, having already imposed sweeping measures on Russian oil majors Rosneft and Lukoil in October. Treasury secretary Scott Bessent said at the time: “Now is the time to stop the killing and for an immediate ceasefire,” adding that the US stands ready to increase pressure to support diplomatic efforts. Separately, the US Treasury has expanded sanctions on Iran’s shadow fleet operations, designating dozens of vessels and shipping companies involved in deceptive petroleum trades. “Treasury will continue to deprive the regime of the petroleum revenue it uses to fund its military and weapons programs,” said under secretary John Hurley. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1_95_0_1_2'); }); TagsRussia United Kingdom United States