Ukraine Imposes Sanctions on Captains of Russia's Shadow Fleet

On February 21, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the imposition of new sanctions targeting 225 captains associated with Russia's "shadow fleet," which is involved in the export of Russian oil products. These captains hold citizenship in 11 countries, including Russia, India, and the Philippines. The sanctions are part of Ukraine's ongoing efforts to counteract Russia's circumvention of international sanctions imposed by the European Union, G7, and other nations.

Kyiv IndependentEuromaiden PressZelensky sanctions 225 captains of Russia’s shadow fleet

The sanctions specifically address individuals operating vessels in the Black, Red, and Baltic Seas, which have been identified as transporting oil in violation of existing sanctions. Notably, 188 of the tankers involved are already under sanctions from multiple jurisdictions, including the European Union, the United States, and Australia. In addition to the captains, a second sanctions package targets 46 Russian citizens, two Iranian nationals, and 44 Russian companies linked to Russia's military-industrial complex. These entities are involved in the supply, development, and maintenance of military equipment, including systems used for ballistic and cruise missiles.

Euromaiden PressZelensky sanctions 225 captains of Russia’s shadow fleetKyiv Independent

President Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of these sanctions, stating, "We will continue to consistently impose sanctions and make them global against everyone who helps Russia earn money for war." He urged the European Union to enhance its sanctions package to exert real pressure on Russia, advocating for a complete ban on maritime services for vessels used by Moscow. The European Commission is currently preparing its 20th sanctions package, which may include such measures and is expected to be finalized by February 24, coinciding with the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Kyiv IndependentZelensky sanctions 225 captains of Russia’s shadow fleetEuromaiden Press

While the sanctions have been broadly supported within Ukraine, some critics argue that the effectiveness of such measures remains to be seen, particularly given the complexities of enforcing sanctions against a network of vessels operating under opaque ownership structures. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the potential economic impact on countries that rely on Russian oil exports.

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As the situation evolves, the European Union's upcoming sanctions package is anticipated to play a crucial role in shaping the international response to Russia's actions. The effectiveness of Ukraine's sanctions, alongside those from its allies, will be closely monitored as the conflict continues to unfold.

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• "Today, Ukraine has introduced new sanctions against the captains of vessels involved in transporting Russian oil – 225 captains." — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

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• "We very much count, in particular, that the next sanctions package of the European Union takes into account what is needed for real pressure on Russia over this war." — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

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