The UK government has imposed sanctions on a Brazilian firm, Brasilleum Energy Trading, alleging its involvement with a network referred to as the 'ghost fleet' that is reportedly engaged in the trade of Russian oil. This action is part of wider efforts by the British government, announced on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, aiming to undermine the financial resources of Vladimir Putin's regime. The sanctions were revealed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, illustrating the ongoing international pressure on entities connected to Russia during the conflict.

Based in Belo Horizonte, Brasilleum Energy Trading, which has a business focus on the import and export of oil and its derivatives, received its external trade agent designation from Brazil's National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels (ANP) in 2024. The company's founder, Natig Damirov, originally from Azerbaijan and previously residing in Dubai, is linked to this controversial trading activity while the Brazilian lawyer Eduardo Paoli serves as an administrator without ownership stakes. The sanctions against Brasilleum reflect a keen interest from the UK to disrupt any assistance that might financially aid Russia in its military actions.

This sanction of a Brazilian entity underlines the intertwining global interests and complexities associated with international oil trade, especially in the context of geopolitical tensions related to the war in Ukraine. As Brazilian companies interact within the global energy market, scrutiny and potential repercussions grow, highlighting the importance of corporate responsibility and compliance with international regulations in the face of evolving geopolitical landscapes. Such sanctions could have far-reaching implications for Brazil's commercial relationships and energy policies as they navigate their position in a polarized global environment.