US Could Impose Sanctions on Turkey Over "Ghost Fleet" Aiding Russia's Oil Trade

The United States of America and its allies are actively seeking to bolster control over the enforcement of sanctions against the Russian Federation in Turkey, where an increase in trade with Russia has been observed during the conflict in Ukraine. The Wall Street Journal reports this, citing American officials.

The US government expresses concern about Turkey being used as a venue for evading the sanctions imposed on Russia. This includes a range of actions, such as the utilization of a "ghost fleet" for transporting oil from Russia, its illicit activities in ports where ships under sanctions are not recommended to dock, and the supply of goods, including Western electronics crucial for Moscow's efforts in the war against Ukraine.

In its efforts to expand oil deliveries worldwide and fund the conflict in Ukraine, Russia is supported by the Turkish company Beks Ship Management, which has acquired 37 vessels since 2021, many of which are outdated oil tankers.

According to an unnamed American diplomat, the US maintains a "continuous dialogue with the Turkish government on this matter." He added that the West hopes to avoid a situation where any Turkish company becomes a target of sanctions. "We're working with both the government and the private sector to inform them about very real risks," the diplomat noted.

Thanks to reduced prices and a broadened circle of suppliers, Russia has managed to increase its share in certain major global oil markets during the conflict, resulting in a shift in the dynamics of global energy supplies.

According to the publication, in April, Russia temporarily outpaced Saudi Arabia as the largest oil supplier to China. Currently, their delivery volumes are roughly equal, and experts anticipate that Russia will regain an advantage in the coming months.

Recalling that on June 23, the European Union Council adopted the 11th package of sanctions against Russia due to its military invasion of Ukraine, primarily aimed at countering circumvention tactics related to existing sanctions.

Among other measures, this package entails a prohibition for vessels suspected by competent authorities of involvement in transporting sanctioned oil or oil purchased at prices exceeding the established limit from entering European Union ports and locks.