On 9 May, the UK Government announced its upcoming largest-ever sanctions package targeting Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers.
Up to 100 vessels, responsible for transporting over $24 billion worth of cargo since early 2024, will be sanctioned. These tankers have not only funded the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine but also posed serious threats to European subsea infrastructure through reckless operations, the UK Government explained.
The threat from Russia to our national security cannot be underestimated, that is why we will do everything in our power to destroy his shadow fleet operation, starve his war machine of oil revenues and protect the subsea infrastructure that we rely on for our everyday lives.
… said Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The action coincides with the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) summit in Oslo, where leaders are expected to prioritize subsea infrastructure protection. The UK-led “Nordic Warden” system is already monitoring 22 key maritime zones, responding to incidents like the recent damage to an undersea cable in the Baltic. Subsea systems are vital, carrying most international communications and energy supplies, and are at risk from unregulated, untracked Russian vessels.
In parallel, the UK and Norway are set to deepen cooperation on space domain awareness, sharing intelligence to monitor satellites and debris as space becomes increasingly contested.
Additionally, JEF members are strengthening ties with Ukraine through joint military exercises and knowledge-sharing, underscoring enduring support for Kyiv.
