Ukraine’s Military Intelligence (HUR) published a list of 51 vessels it says are helping sustain Russia’s war effort by exporting oil and operating in occupied Ukrainian ports on Monday, March 30.
The update, released via the War&Sanctions portal, includes oil tankers involved in shipping Russian crude and petroleum products, as well as cargo ships that have entered closed ports in Russian-occupied areas, including Mariupol and Kerch.
According to HUR, Russia is systematically using maritime logistics not only to generate revenue from energy exports but also to transport looted Ukrainian resources such as grain, ore and coal. The agency said Moscow is simultaneously trying to integrate occupied territories into its economic system by reopening Ukrainian ports to foreign vessels.
To mask these operations, HUR said Russia relies on ships sailing under third-country flags, including states that have publicly supported Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
HUR identified ship captains as a key link in the system, noting they have full knowledge of cargo origin, routes and the nature of operations.
The agency called on countries whose flags are used by such vessels to strengthen oversight and prevent entry into closed Ukrainian ports. It also urged the International Maritime Organization to press member states to enforce restrictions and act against violators.
Ukraine further appealed to partner nations to impose additional sanctions on individuals, companies and vessels involved in what it described as illegal commercial activity linked to occupied territories.
In a direct warning to crews, HUR said participation in such operations amounts to complicity in Russia’s aggression.
“We would like to address the crews of seagoing vessels specifically: Participating in illegal operations in Ukrainian ports constitutes complicity in aggression,” the update says.
“Ship captains will inevitably be held accountable for participating in the occupying operations of the aggressor country.”
Russia’s sanctions evasion
In recent months, Ukrainian intelligence released technical profiles and supplier lists for missiles, cruise systems and drones – steps Kyiv says are crucial for helping partners close loopholes and stop the flow of dual-use goods.
The War & Sanctions platform, created and maintained by HUR, documents Russian supply chains, tracks sanctioned entities and lists foreign components found in Russian weapons.
It currently documents:
- More than 5,200 foreign-made components identified in 181 types of Russian weapons
- 12 interactive diagrams of Russian and Iranian weapon systems
- Over 280 companies involved in their production
“Weapons Russia is using against Ukraine today may be used tomorrow against other states,” HUR warned, calling for “synchronized action, stronger sanctions, and sustained support for Ukraine to stop the aggressor.”