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The European Union on Monday imposed sanctions on five individuals and four companies for supporting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” - a network of ships and agents enabling Russia to export crude oil despite Western restrictions.
The European Council said in a press release that listings target two companies based in the United Arab Emirates, one in Vietnam, and one in Russia, which the EU says manage or own tankers transporting Russian crude oil, including shipments subject to international sanctions.
The measure also target Pakistani‑Canadian businessman Murtaza Lakhani, CEO of Mercantile & Maritime, who is accused of controlling vessels transporting crude oil and petroleum products originating in or exported from Russia while engaging in “irregular and high-risk shipping practices.”
Azerbaijani businessmen Etibar Eyyub and Talat Safari are also listed. Eyyub is accused of facilitating Russian oil exports through his network of companies, including UAE-based 2Rivers Group, while Safari is described as a shareholder and manager of the group. The EU said 2Rivers Group “enables shipments and exports of Russian oil, notably from the Russian state-owned company Rosneft, by concealing the actual origin of the oil.”
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the Council is preparing additional sanctions on dozens of other vessels and their enablers. “We have 40 additional vessels plus enablers, and this is all for depriving Russia of the means to fund this war … This is necessary for Ukraine to defend itself,” Kallas said.
