Ukraine’s Intelligence Exposes Maritime Network Supporting Russia’s Shadow Operations
The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (HUR) has released data on the activities of 42 ships involved in the transportation of sanctioned Russian and Iranian oil, stolen Ukrainian grain and coal from temporarily occupied territories, as well as in supporting the Russian Federation’s “shadow fleet”.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine (HUR) on Facebook.
Among the vessels participating in the activities of the Russian Federation's “shadow fleet” is a floating storage facility that the sanctioned oil company Lukoil uses in the Caspian Sea to transfer oil to tankers.
Such operations allow international sanctions to be circumvented and energy exports to continue despite restrictions.
Under sanctions and diplomatic pressure, more and more countries are refusing to register ships involved in circumventing restrictions. In response, Russia is resorting to fraudulent schemes: false flags, fake maritime registries with fake websites, and forged registration documents in an attempt to conceal the true state of its “shadow fleet.”
For example, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), more than 300 ships worldwide are currently sailing under false flags and with forged documents.
Thus, the HUR once again emphasizes the need for a complete ban on operations with ships of the “shadow fleet” and enhanced control by flag countries and international organizations.
“All such vessels should be subject to a complete ban on any operations involving them: servicing, entry into ports, territorial waters, free economic zones, and international straits. Flag states and the IMO should strengthen control, identify violators, and promptly inform the international community,” the statement said.
War&Sanctions currently contains data on more than 1,000 vessels and 155 captains involved in the transportation of weapons, stolen goods from the TOT, circumvention of sanctions, and other illegal activities.
As The Gaze wrote earlier, the expansion of the “shadow fleet” has slowed sharply this year, as tougher Western measures against Russia’s energy exports make it harder to acquire suitable vessels.