UK Sanctions 137 Russian Oil Ties, Targets Shadow Fleet

The United Kingdom has unveiled sweeping new sanctions on 137 Russia-linked entities, including 135 oil tankers associated with President Putin’s shadow fleet, marking one of the most comprehensive maritime sanctions packages the country has ever enforced.

Announced on July 21, 2025, the sanctions target vessels believed to have transported approximately $24 billion in cargo since early 2024. This move aligns with the UK and European Union’s joint decision to lower the price ceiling on Russian crude exports, further tightening economic restrictions on Moscow.

Entities affected include Intershipping Services LLC, known for registering ships under Gabon’s flag that are tied to shadow fleet activity, and Litasco Middle East DMCC, a company linked to Russian oil giant Lukoil and reportedly involved in handling large volumes of Russian crude.

“New sanctions will further dismantle Putin’s shadow fleet and drain Russia’s war chest of its critical oil revenues,” said Foreign Secretary David Lammy. “As Putin continues to stall and delay on serious peace talks, we will not stand idly by. We will continue to use the full might of our sanctions regime to ratchet up economic pressure at every turn and stand side by side with Ukraine.”

According to UK officials, Western sanctions have already delivered a significant economic blow to Russia. Revenues from oil and gas have steadily declined since 2022, with losses exceeding one-third over the past three years. Russia’s economy is showing visible signs of strain, with a depleted sovereign wealth fund, accelerating inflation, and escalating defense-related expenditures.

The UK government describes the latest sanctions as “another step towards securing a lasting peace in Ukraine, and a step towards security in the UK and beyond.”