European Parliament calls for tougher sanctions against Russian “shadow fleet”

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling for tougher sanctions against the “shadow fleet” that provides oil exports.

This was reported by Ukrinform with reference to a statement by the European Parliament.

The report states that Russia is using old, often uninsured tankers with opaque ownership to transport crude oil and petroleum products abroad, in violation of EU and G7 sanctions. This activity not only finances Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, but also poses significant environmental risks, including the threat of large-scale oil spills.

The European Parliament called for the next sanctions package to introduce targeted restrictions on such vessels, their owners, operators, financial institutions and insurance companies. It is also proposed to ban shipping in European waters for uninsured tankers and significantly strengthen monitoring using drones and satellites.

MEPs recommend:

• Identify ports capable of receiving sanctioned vessels transporting crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) and seize illegal cargoes without compensation.

• Increase control over compliance with the price limit for Russian oil ($60 per barrel) and reduce this price limit.

• If diplomatic efforts are ineffective, review cooperation with countries that help Russia circumvent sanctions.

The European Parliament also called for a complete ban on imports of Russian fossil fuels, including liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Earlier, USM reported that the European Union is developing a new package of sanctions aimed at combating the so-called “shadow fleet” of tankers.