Latest
War in Ukraine
Swedish Court Seizes Russian-Linked Vessel Over Suspected Theft of Ukrainian Grain
A Swedish court has ordered the arrest of the cargo vessel Caffa, the first time a foreign court has seized a ship at Ukraine’s request over suspected illegal grain export from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory.
June 4, 2026
Europe
Germany Uncovers Sanctions-Evasion Scheme Supplying Russia
German investigators uncovered a large sanctions-evasion network that allegedly routed European dual-use technology to Russia through Turkey.
May 18, 2026
Russia
2 Russian Security Personnel Were on Board France-Seized Tanker: Sources
The two men were employed by Moran Security Group, a Russian private security company, and were tasked with monitoring the crew and gathering intelligence.
Feb. 23, 2026
US
US Intercepts Sanctioned Tanker Linked to Russia’s Shadow Fleet
The Aquila II tanker, previously flagged by Ukraine’s intelligence as part of Russia’s shadow oil fleet, was intercepted by US forces while operating in defiance of US sanctions.
Feb. 9, 2026
Russia
UK Says Seized Russia-Flagged Tanker Enters Its Waters
The Bella-1, or Marinera, was seized last week after evading the US coast guard for roughly a fortnight.
Jan. 14, 2026
US
Documents Show Houston Oil Giant SLB Aiding Russian Oil Production Despite US Sanctions
Enforcing sanctions on Russia is undermined by the speed and ingenuity of those who would evade sanctions, and many companies find alternative methods for doing business with Moscow.
Dec. 29, 2025
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan Imposes New Export Controls Targeting Russia, Ukrainian Intelligence Says
After months of rumors that Astana is cracking down on one of Russia’s most important sanctions-busting routes, Ukraine’s foreign intelligence service appears to have confirmed it.
Dec. 9, 2025
Energy
Pacific Island Enables Sanctions-Busting Russian ‘Shadow Fleets’
Without ever setting foot in the palm-fringed micro-state, foreign ship owners can pay Maritime Cook Islands to sail under its star-studded flag.
Dec. 2, 2025
EU
EU Approves 19th Sanctions on Russia, Gas Cut-Off Pushed to 2027
Leaders from the 27-member bloc approve Brussels 19th set of sanctions on Russia, also identifying more than 100 oil tankers from Moscow’s “shadow fleet”.
Oct. 23, 2025
Putin
Putin Courts Central Asian Leaders at Regional Summit
Central Asia’s post-Soviet states have traditionally been economically reliant on Russia. Now, Russia relies on them to be part of its sanctions-busting shadow economy.
Oct. 9, 2025
Putin
Putin Accuses France of ‘Piracy’ Over Boarded Oil Tanker
The Russian president was asked about the recent boarding of the Boracay oil tanker off France’s west coast at an event in Sochi on Thursday.
Oct. 2, 2025
Russia
UK Targets Russia’s Shadow Fleet in Major New Sanctions Push
UK slaps 137 new sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet, targeting $24B in oil exports as part of efforts to drain Putin’s war chest and enforce the oil price cap.
July 21, 2025
US
Loopholes, Lax Enforcement Fuel Russian Sanction Busting, Prolong War
US companies are skirting sanctions meant to cripple Russia’s economy. Despite stringent laws, enforcement struggles persist, leaving gaps for evasion that enable Moscow to wage war in Ukraine.
Jan. 22, 2025
Russia
‘Ecological Disaster’: Oil Spill from Russian Shadow Fleet Tankers Hits Sevastopol Shores
Oil from two damaged Russian tankers, allegedly part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ of sanction-busting ships, has spilled into the waters off Crimea, causing environmental damage to miles of coastline.
Jan. 3, 2025
War in Ukraine
How Poland’s Trade with Russia Undermines EU Sanctions and Support for Ukraine
Polish officials have struggled to rein in companies that are suspected of sanctions-busting, according to economic watchdog reports.
Dec. 27, 2024
War in Ukraine
Luxury Western Goods Line Russian Stores, Three Years Into Sanctions
The extent of sanctions busting remains evident in Moscow’s luxury stores.
Dec. 23, 2024