Russia’s Shadow Fleet Caught Illegally Transferring Oil Near Greece
Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) has exposed illegal operations by Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” which continues to covertly transport sanctioned oil near European shores in defiance of global sanctions, The Gaze reports.
According to HUR, a Russian-linked Aframax tanker (IMO 9247443) has been operating without Western insurance since July 2024, conducting unauthorized ship-to-ship (STS) oil transfers in open waters near Greece and Cyprus.
The tanker serves as a floating hub, enabling the Russian Federation to mask the origin of its oil, bypass international oversight, and maintain crude exports to third countries—thus fueling the Kremlin’s war machine despite Western embargoes.
In a detailed report, Ukrainian intelligence reveals that the IMO 9247443 is part of a broader network of 577 identified oil tankers, over 150 of which are classified as members of Russia’s “shadow fleet.” These vessels collectively possess a deadweight capacity exceeding 63 million metric tons, with 55 captains also named.
“These vessels rely on high-risk maritime practices—such as switching off AIS transponders, spoofing GPS signals, performing nighttime transfers without lights, using flags of convenience, and registering under shell companies,” the report states.
Ukraine’s military intelligence highlights the ecological threat posed by aging, uninsured tankers operating without oversight. Their operations near EU coastlines significantly increase the risk of major maritime disasters.
Moreover, HUR warns that Russia’s shadow fleet also serves dual-use purposes within hybrid warfare strategies. Ukrainian officials have documented cases where such vessels were involved in reconnaissance and sabotage missions, particularly in the Baltic Sea, targeting naval infrastructure and undersea cables.
“Oil and gas exports remain a key revenue stream for Russia in the fourth year of full-scale war,” HUR notes. “Roughly one-third of the Kremlin’s 2025 hydrocarbon income is used to finance its war against Ukraine.”
To address these threats, Ukraine calls for a tightening of international sanctions, urging the G7 and EU to:
• Lower the oil price cap further;
• Ban imports of refined products made with Russian crude;
• Prohibit STS operations within G7 and EU waters;
• Enforce stricter insurance controls in Western markets;
• Implement a full ban on Russian LNG and pipeline fuel imports.
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