Australia has imposed sanctions on Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers for the first time, targeting 60 vessels allegedly involved in helping Moscow circumvent international sanctions.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) announced the move on Wednesday, noting that the ships had already been sanctioned by key allies, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union.
“These vessels are part of a covert network used by Russia to sidestep sanctions and sustain its illegal and immoral war against Ukraine,” the department said in a statement.
According to DFAT, the shadow fleet operates under deceptive practices such as changing flags frequently, disabling tracking systems, and lacking proper insurance coverage. These tactics enable the illicit transportation of Russian oil and other restricted goods.
Since the launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Australia has imposed more than 1,400 sanctions on Russian individuals and entities in coordination with international partners.
In a related development, Canberra last month condemned the sentencing of Australian national Oscar Jenkins to 13 years in a Russian penal colony. Jenkins, who had been volunteering in Ukraine, was captured and tried in what Australia described as a “sham trial.”
