Ukraine reportedly targets Russia's shadow fleet in foreign waters as sanctions fail to sink PUTIN's oil sales

Thursday, December 11, 2025 -Ukraine has reportedly taken aim at Russia’s “shadow fleet” operating in foreign waters, an effort to disrupt oil shipments that have largely evaded international sanctions. 

Despite extensive measures by Western nations to curtail Russian energy exports, Moscow continues to move crude through covert channels, prompting Kyiv to take more direct action. Officials warn that these operations could escalate tensions on the high seas and draw international scrutiny.

The so-called shadow fleet consists of tankers and intermediary vessels that obscure the origin of Russian oil, allowing shipments to reach global markets. 

Analysts note that these operations have undermined the impact of sanctions, fueling both Ukraine’s urgent countermeasures and renewed debate over enforcement strategies. Kyiv’s targeting of these vessels underscores a shift from diplomatic and economic pressure to operational disruption.

Experts emphasize that the situation raises both legal and strategic concerns for the international community, as attacks or seizures in foreign waters risk confrontation with third-party nations. 

Still, Ukraine frames these actions as necessary to curtail illicit oil revenues that finance Russia’s ongoing military operations, highlighting the high-stakes nature of energy and security warfare in the region.