AFUO welcomes Australia’s sanctions on 60 vessels in Russia’s covert fleet of oil tankers

The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations (AFUO) welcomes the Australian government’s decision to impose sanctions on 60 vessels belonging to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” that Moscow uses to evade sanctions and price caps.

 These restrictions will limit the ships’ access to ports, as well as their insurance and servicing.

“The AFUO is particularly grateful to Minister Penny Wong and her team for leading the charge on this initiative. These sanctions send a strong and necessary signal that Australia will not be complicit in funding Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine,” the AFUO said.

The covert fleet is a deliberate effort by Russia to undermine international unity and accountability. Australia’s actions today help close a critical loophole in the current sanctions enforcement framework.

“We commend the Australian Government for taking this step to hold Russia accountable and disrupt the murky oil trade funding its aggression. These vessels operate with little transparency, poor safety standards, and in direct defiance of global sanctions,” said Kateryna Argyrou, Chair of the AFUO.

The AFUO also urges the Australian government to fully close this sanctions loophole by banning the import of all petroleum products refined from Russian crude oil.

“Without this, Russian crude continues to reach Australian petrol stations, generating revenue for the Kremlin’s war budget and enabling Russia’s continued war against Ukraine,” the AFUO said.

Australia has already imposed over 1,400 sanctions on Russia, and “this latest package is a clear continuation of the policy to pressure the Kremlin,” said Ukraine’s presidential  office.

“This decision is part of coordinated efforts with our partners in Canada, the UK, and the European Union. Together, we continue to cut off the resources Russia uses to wage war. We thank the Australian government for its firm stance and unwavering support for Ukraine,” the presidential office said.