Ukraine calls on EU to take 'physical' action against Russia's 'ghost fleet': 'Don't be afraid'
Vladyslav Vlasiuk. Credit: Ukrinform / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia
Ukraine urged the European Union not to be afraid to take “physical” measures against Russia's “shadow fleet”, citing the example of oil tankers associated with Venezuela that were seized by the US, reports AFP.
On a visit to Berlin, the Ukrainian presidency's special representative for sanctions, Vladislav Vlasiuk, said action was still needed on Western components found in Russian weapons, which the official described as further evidence that Moscow is evading sanctions.
Calling for “robust action”, he said only increased pressure on Russia could facilitate negotiations to end the war.
The volume of oil carried in 2025 by Russia's “shadow fleet”, a flotilla of old tankers trying to evade international sanctions, was the same as the previous year, the Ukrainian official claims.
“The Russians are not as scary as they try to be”
If some EU countries “started to physically stop ships, I can promise you that nothing would happen, only because the Russians are not as scary as they are trying to be – so don't be afraid,” Vlasiuk said.
He added that he wants to reduce the volume of oil transported by 10 to 20 percent.
The Ukrainian official praised the “recent actions taken by the US government against six or seven” oil tankers, some of which had ties to Russia.
“We think this is a very effective way to apply sanctions.”
Vlasiuk also called for action on Western components found in Russian drones and missiles launched over Ukraine.
“I would avoid naming these companies for now, but … let's see what we can do in a few weeks,” he added.
