The Kremlin’s outrage over the detention of a Russian shadow fleet tanker, which they have branded “piracy,” has certainly stirred up quite a bit of commentary, and honestly, it’s hard not to see the irony in it all.
When you think about the concept of a “shadow fleet” itself, it’s designed precisely to operate outside of official scrutiny, a network meticulously put in place to bypass international sanctions and conduct oil sales in secrecy. So, the very idea of Russia complaining when one of these purportedly “totally unaffiliated” vessels is detained raises a pretty significant question: is it actually Russian or not?… Continue reading
During a recent visit to Washington, a Ukrainian delegation requested that U.S. officials investigate potential violations of sanctions policy. These concerns stem from indications that some Russian “shadow fleet” vessels, operating under sanctions, may be utilizing Starlink technology. Ukrainian officials emphasized that if confirmed, the use of American technology on sanctioned ships would breach U.S. policy and urged independent verification. While acknowledging the lack of conclusive evidence, preliminary findings suggest these vessels may be employing Western technologies, including Starlink, to circumvent sanctions and maintain revenues.
Read More
Ukrainian forces have successfully targeted two Russian shadow fleet vessels near the port of Novorossiysk, disrupting their use in transporting oil. This operation, led by the General Staff Chief Andrii Hnatov with the involvement of the SBU and Navy, marks an intensification of Ukraine’s long-range attacks aimed at Russia’s energy sector, a key funding source for the war. Novorossiysk has become increasingly significant as a military and logistical hub for Russia following Ukrainian strikes on occupied Crimea. The targeted shadow fleet, assembled by Russia to circumvent sanctions, relies on complex ownership structures to obscure its ties to Moscow.
Read More
It seems the much-talked-about Russian “shadow fleet” continues to operate with a significant presence, with close to 100 vessels reportedly transiting UK waters, seemingly undeterred by the pronouncements from figures like Keir Starmer. This situation raises a crucial point: threats, it appears, carry little weight without tangible enforcement. The sentiment is clear: these operations will likely persist until there’s a real consequence, like the seizure of a vessel.
The underlying issue seems to be a perceived lack of backbone when it comes to confronting these loopholes that the shadow fleet exploits. There’s a feeling that decisive action, akin to seizing these ships as they enter territorial waters, is what’s truly needed.… Continue reading
Despite the US claim of total control over the Strait of Hormuz and a successful blockade designed to halt Iranian maritime trade, at least 34 tankers linked to Iran have transited past the measures. While US forces have directed 28 vessels to turn back, some Iranian-flagged tankers have circumvented the blockade, with at least six confirmed to be transporting crude oil. These evasive maneuvers include turning off transponders and engaging in ship-to-ship transfers to mask the oil’s origin, while Iran has declared its own “new order” requiring permission for transits.
Read More
Ukrainian forces are operating in western Libya under a covert deal endorsed by the West and used the country’s territory to strike a Russian tanker in the Mediterranean last month. The deal, backed by the United States, aims to keep the area out of Russia’s reach amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These operations, primarily involving drone experts, are based at air bases in Misrata and other military facilities in Tripoli and Zawiya.
Read More
An investigation by the Financial Times has revealed a sophisticated network of nearly fifty companies coordinating to obscure the origins of Russian oil, moving crude valued at least $90 billion. This extensive operation, which includes entities linked to Rosneft, intensified after U.S. sanctions were imposed on the Russian state-controlled firm in October 2025. The network was uncovered due to a shared private email server among the identified companies, with Redwood Global Supply emerging as a significant exporter of Russian crude since the sanctions.
Read More
Belgium’s recent seizure of a suspected Russian “shadow fleet” tanker is a significant development, one of the few tangible tools Europe possesses to enforce sanctions without requiring intricate coordination with the United States. This move signals a potential shift, and we can likely anticipate more such actions in the future. It’s quite telling about Russia’s current standing when even a nation like Belgium feels empowered to intercept their assets. The continued disruption and seizure of these shadow fleet vessels indicate a weakening of Russia’s ability to export its oil, which is undoubtedly a positive sign for those seeking to curtail its financial resources.… Continue reading
A high-ranking Kremlin official has warned that Russia might employ its navy in retaliation if European nations continue to seize and board Russian vessels navigating the Baltic Sea. This warning emerges amidst increased European scrutiny and direct action against Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a network of tankers operating under foreign flags to circumvent sanctions. Citing European raids on ships suspected of sanctions evasion as “piracy,” the official expressed concern that such actions could escalate to a full blockade of Russian maritime access, particularly in the Atlantic.
Read More
A senior Russian official has warned that the Russian navy stands ready to protect Russian-linked vessels from potential European seizures, suggesting a retaliatory response against European shipping. This statement comes amidst increasing pressure on Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which is used to circumvent Western sanctions on oil exports. The official, Nikolai Patrushev, labeled any attempts to blockade Russian vessels as “western piracy” and asserted that such actions would be illegal under international law. This development occurs as high-stakes talks regarding Ukraine are underway, following recent Russian airstrikes that damaged Ukraine’s power network.
Read More
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker