❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration is considering additional sanctions on Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers if Vladimir Putin does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine by Friday.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Trump administration, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the shadow fleet of oil tankers.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Sanctions under consideration as of this week; targeting Russia’s maritime oil export operations.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Further measures against the fleet are viewed as a relatively straightforward way to increase pressure on Russia,” according to sources familiar with White House discussions.
🎯IMPACT: Potential sanctions could target a significant generator of Russia’s export revenue, further pressuring Moscow’s wartime economy.
The Trump administration is reportedly considering new sanctions on Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, with the decision tied to whether President Vladimir Putin agrees to a ceasefire in Ukraine by Friday.
Sources claim that cracking down on the shadow fleet is viewed within the White House as “a relatively simple way to increase pressure on Russia.” Another insider noted that while a broader range of sanctions is under discussion, targeting these tankers remains a primary focus.
This shadow fleet has been critical for Moscow in circumventing the G7-led price cap on seaborne oil, allowing Russia to continue generating substantial export revenues even under extensive Western sanctions. The broader sanctions regime has aimed to cut off these energy revenues, which are key to sustaining Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
Though Russia’s piped gas exports have declined significantly since the start of the war, its seaborne liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments to the European Union have increased. More of the vessels involved in these exports are Russian-built and operate within the shadow fleet, which operates without Western insurers, flag registries, or maritime services. This setup has made enforcement of existing sanctions more difficult.
The deadline comes as Russai has been making key gains in the strategic city of Pokrovsk in recent weeks. Recent reports state that the city has become a hub of intense fighting between both sides and could give Russia control over the central Donetsk region if it falls.
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