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The Australian government has imposed targeted sanctions on 60 vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet of ships used to circumvent international sanctions and sustain war against Ukraine.
This is the first time Australia has imposed sanctions against the shadow fleet and reinforce Australia’s consistent commitment to ensuring Russia, and those enabling its illegal invasion of Ukraine, face consequences.
Operating under deceptive practices, including flag-hopping, disabling tracking systems and operating with inadequate insurance, the shadow fleet enables the illicit trade of Russian oil and other sanctioned goods, according to a statement published by the Department of Foreign Affairs on 18 June.
“Alongside those of key international partners, including Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union, these sanctions help starve the Russian war economy of oil revenue.
“Australia has imposed over 1,400 sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We will continue to take coordinated and decisive action to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and disrupt Russia’s ability to fund its aggression.
“Australia once again calls on Russia to immediately end this war and withdraw from Ukrainian territory. We remain steadfast in our support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine.”
Ukrainian ambassador to Australia and New Zealand Vasyl Myroshnychenko thanked Minister Penny Wong for taking action against Russia’s shadow oil fleet.
“It’s vital that the international community curtails the revenue fuelling Russia’s war machine. Implementing a $45 per barrel price cap should be the next step,” he said.
