The administration of US President Donald Trump is considering the possibility of imposing additional sanctions on the ‘shadow fleet’ of oil tankers from the Russian Federation. Such measures could be implemented if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not agree to establish a ceasefire in Ukraine by Friday.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Discussion of New Sanctions at the White House
According to discussions at the White House, additional sanctions against the ‘shadow fleet’ are being viewed as a first step to increase economic pressure on Russia. A third party familiar with the administration’s position also confirmed the possibility of restrictions on the fleet. According to individuals close to the administration, President Trump is increasingly frustrated with the actions of the Russian leadership. Should Moscow refuse to engage in negotiations, it faces serious consequences.
“It depends on what Witkoff brings back with him,” said a source. “If Witkoff returns empty-handed, with absolutely nothing, Trump will be furious.”
Details of Potential Restrictions on the ‘Shadow Fleet’
On Tuesday, President Trump held a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which possible steps to increase pressure on Moscow were discussed. According to individuals close to the administration, a decision on further actions will be made after the return of Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
The ‘shadow fleet’ refers to a group of vessels whose owners conceal their identities, and the tankers themselves avoid using the services of Western companies. The Russian Federation actively uses this fleet to transport oil, attempting to circumvent Western sanctions imposed after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Profits from crude oil exports via the ‘shadow fleet’ allow for the financing of the ongoing war against Ukraine.
The previous US administration under Joe Biden had already added 213 tankers transporting oil, chemicals, or other products to the sanctions list. However, since Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January, no additional sanctions have been implemented, as efforts have been focused on seeking a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
If the US decides to blacklist new vessels, it would mark the first such step during Trump’s presidency. Currently, the Kremlin has already ignored several deadlines set for establishing a ceasefire and has significantly intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks.