Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence has collected information on vessels linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet and published the names of their captains to ensure that “shadow logistics do not remain anonymous”.
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine reported this in a statement.
Ukrainian intelligence published information on 38 vessels sailing under the flags of Barbados, Russia, Cameroon, Panama, Belize, Liberia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Tanzania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Hong Kong and Palau.
Of these, 28 vessels are directly involved in exporting Russian oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas, bunkering sanctioned tankers belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet, and transporting Ukrainian grain taken from occupied territories.
“All of these vessels are already under sanctions imposed by the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and Ukraine,” Defence Intelligence said.
Another 10 oil tankers that are not currently under sanctions are helping Russia not only deliver its oil to global markets but also import petrol and diesel fuel, supporting the Kremlin’s military logistics amid domestic fuel shortages, according to the statement.
Defence Intelligence also published the names of 11 captains “who believed they could simply ‘do their job’ while hiding behind the captain’s bridge”.
“They were the ones who ensured complex navigation and the delivery of imported fuel to the aggressor state,” Defence Intelligence said.
“Publishing their names destroys the myth that shadow logistics can remain anonymous. It is a clear warning to every seafarer: participation in assisting the aggressor will not go unnoticed. Such activities have consequences, including for the reputation and security of those involved,” the agency said.
