US Sanctions Targeted the RF's Shadow Fleet: Consequences.
The USA has announced comprehensive sanctions against the Russian energy sector
The United States has imposed sanctions on more than 400 organizations and individuals involved in the Russian energy sector. This includes major oil and gas companies such as 'Gazpromneft' and 'Surguutneftegas' and their subsidiaries. The sanctions also affect the tankers of the RF's shadow fleet as well as the insurance companies that insure them. Sanctions were also imposed against members of the board of 'Rosatom'. These measures aim to inflict significant damage on Russia and limit the financing of the war against Ukraine.
The day after the sanctions were introduced, results were already visible. China and India refused to accept tankers from the RF's shadow fleet, leading to disruptions in Russia's energy system. In addition, 'Gazprom' announced layoffs, and the myth of Russia's invulnerability to sanctions has been shattered. It has also been noted that the RF's shadow fleet poses an environmental hazard and can be used for hybrid warfare against the West.
US Sanctions Against the RF's Shadow Fleet Tankers
Tankers from the RF's shadow fleet engaging in illegal transactions with sanctioned Russian oil have been placed under US sanctions. As a result of these measures, the operations of the fleet have significantly decreased, and Russia has incurred financial losses. The ships of the shadow fleet use various methods to complicate identification and restrict the activities of ships transporting sanctioned goods. This violates international maritime law and increases the risk of emergencies.
Tankers from the shadow fleet that fly flags of various countries and use third-party services also exhibit inadequate technical condition and pose an environmental danger. A recent incident involving the damage of a telecommunications cable in the Baltic Sea served as evidence of the shadow fleet being employed for hybrid warfare against the West. These sanctions aim to reduce the RF's capabilities to conduct these operations and punish them for violations of international law.
The Position of China and India
After the USA imposed sanctions against the RF's shadow fleet tankers, China and India refused to accept these ships. This led to a reduction in oil transport from Russia and disruptions in energy exports. However, this does not pose a problem for India's oil supply as there are alternative sources. Additionally, Chinese ports have imposed restrictions against the sanctioned tankers.
The RF's Shadow Fleet as a Security Threat
The Russian shadow fleet, which constitutes 17% of the global oil tanker fleet, poses a threat to security and maritime transport. It can be used for strategic sea transport and even military conflicts. The introduction of sanctions against the fleet aims to strengthen the security and advantages of the USA in this area. Ukraine and its allies have also engaged in discussions about intensifying sanctions pressure on the RF and the topic of an embargo on the import of Russian natural gas.
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