Story perspectives

UK Targets 100 Russian Oil Tankers with New Sanctions

5/14/2025

40 8

Summary

Story summary

The UK has unveiled its most extensive sanctions yet, aiming at nearly 100 oil tankers tied to Russia's covert operations, responsible for over $24 billion in oil exports since early 2024. Prime Minister Keir Starmer underscored the urgency of safeguarding national infrastructure and crippling funding for Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine during the Joint Expeditionary Force summit in Oslo.

History

Historical Context

The UK's latest sanctions against nearly 100 Russian oil tankers reflect a growing trend of economic warfare since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Historically, similar sanctions were employed during the Cold War to weaken adversaries economically. The 2006 Russia-Ukraine gas dispute also highlighted the geopolitical leverage of energy resources, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for energy security in Europe amidst rising tensions with Russia.

1 of 2

Story summary

The UK has unveiled its most extensive sanctions yet, aiming at nearly 100 oil tankers tied to Russia's covert operations, responsible for over $24 billion in oil exports since early 2024. Prime Minister Keir Starmer underscored the urgency of safeguarding national infrastructure and crippling funding for Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine during the Joint Expeditionary Force summit in Oslo.

1 / 2