Australia has officially moved to sanction Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, marking a significant expansion of its punitive measures against Moscow since the onset of the Ukraine conflict.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Australian government announced that 60 vessels—believed to be part of a covert maritime network used to move Russian oil in defiance of international sanctions—have been blacklisted. The move brings Australia in step with coordinated efforts by allies such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union, who have already imposed similar restrictions.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the sanctioned vessels are central to Russia’s efforts to sidestep price caps and embargoes by employing evasive tactics such as frequently changing national flags, disabling transponders, and operating with substandard or unverified insurance.

“These vessels are instrumental in sustaining Russia’s illegal and immoral war against Ukraine,” the department said. “Their operations reflect deliberate attempts to undermine international law and fuel ongoing aggression.”

The so-called “shadow fleet” is widely believed to be critical to Russia’s ability to keep its oil exports flowing despite sweeping sanctions, allowing Moscow to funnel revenue into its war effort while avoiding transparency and regulation.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Australia has levied over 1,400 targeted sanctions against Russian individuals, entities, and strategic sectors—aligning closely with Western allies in both tone and action.

Tensions between Canberra and Moscow further escalated last month after a Russian-backed court sentenced Australian citizen Oscar Jenkins to 13 years in a penal colony. Jenkins, a volunteer fighter captured in Ukraine, was convicted in what Australian officials described as a "sham trial" lacking legal credibility.

With this latest action, Australia signals its continued commitment to holding Russia accountable through diplomatic, economic, and legal means—while reinforcing international efforts to close the loopholes exploited by Moscow’s shadow economy.


By WafricNews Desk.