Ukrainian President Urges UK to Stop Russia’s Shadow Fleet
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend an emergency meeting of the British cabinet on Friday to urge the United Kingdom to support efforts to stop Russia’s shadow fleet, which transports sanctioned oil. This was reported by The Guardian.
Zelensky’s Visit
Zelensky will be the first foreign leader to visit Downing Street since Keir Starmer was elected prime minister two weeks ago. He will also be the first foreign leader to address the cabinet in person since US President Bill Clinton in 1997.
European Response
At the recent European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace, EU leaders agreed to issue a «call to action» to prevent the growing number of phantom tankers transporting sanctioned Russian oil. Starmer stated that European leaders have sent a clear message to those who support Putin.
The Shadow Fleet
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the number of uninsured oil tankers significantly increased, allowing the Kremlin to expand its shadow fleet and provide revenue to fuel the Russian military machine. Analysts report that the number of such vessels has doubled in the past year, with the fleet consisting of about 600 ships and accounting for roughly 10% of the world’s «liquid cargo» fleet.
According to the British government, the shadow fleet transports about 1.7 million barrels of oil per day, bringing significant revenue to Russia. Some of the ships may also serve as Russian listening stations, while others likely transport weapons to Russia.
UK’s Response
Starmer is expected to inform Zelensky that the UK will take further steps to suppress the phantom fleet, an issue that was also raised by French President Emmanuel Macron at the end of the Blenheim summit. Additionally, defense ministers from both countries will sign an agreement to support defense exports, increasing the supply of weapons to the battlefield to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
In addition, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris and Starmer plan to provide assistance to Ukraine in building bomb shelters in schools.
