On February 12, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine announced the imposition of sanctions against 91 sea vessels, which are part of Russia's shadow fleet. This decision follows a ruling by the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, reflecting the ongoing efforts to combat Russia's evasion of international sanctions aimed at crippling its oil trade. These vessels have been identified as engaged in transporting oil and petroleum products from Russian ports to various third countries, circumventing sanctions imposed by the European Union, G7, and others.

The sanctioned vessels were found to be sailing under flags from approximately 20 different nations, with the majority not being Russian-flagged. The only Russian-flagged vessel among the group stands in stark contrast to the international nature of the fleet, which operates under flags from countries such as Panama, Liberia, Djibouti, and the Bahamas, indicating that the shadow fleet employs a complex web of international registration to disguise its operations. This tactic not only complicates enforcement efforts but also raises questions about accountability for the countries whose flags are being misused.

In a move towards global cooperation in tackling this issue, Ukraine’s government plans to transfer relevant information to the states from which these vessels sail. This action highlights the intricate nature of maritime trade and the challenges faced by governments trying to uphold sanctions against a well-entrenched system of evasion that supports Russia's economic interests during ongoing conflicts. The implications of these sanctions could affect international shipping practices and diplomatic relations among the nations involved, pushing them to take more responsibility in controlling their maritime registrations and ensuring compliance with international norms.