Australia has announced sanctions on Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers for the first time, targeting 60 vessels believed to be aiding Moscow in evading international restrictions.

 

 

 

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the move on Wednesday, stating the targeted ships had already been sanctioned by Australia’s allies, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union.

 

 

 

 

According to the department, the vessels are used by Russia to bypass sanctions and sustain its ongoing war against Ukraine, which Australia continues to condemn as illegal and immoral.

 

 

 

“Operating under deceptive practices, including flag-hopping, disabling tracking systems, and operating with inadequate insurance, the shadow fleet enables the illicit trade of Russian oil and other sanctioned goods,” the department said in a statement.

 

 

 

 

Australia has imposed over 1,400 sanctions on Russian individuals and entities since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.

 

 

 

In a related development last month, Canberra strongly criticised a Russian court’s sentencing of Australian national Oscar Jenkins to 13 years in a penal colony. Jenkins had been captured while volunteering in Ukraine, with Australia describing the process as a “sham trial.”