Trump plans crackdown on Russia’s “shadow fleet” amid Ukraine talks
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with Moscow’s approach to ceasefire talks in Ukraine. According to FOX News, Trump believes Russia is deliberately stalling the process, and his team is now discussing a new strategy to increase pressure on the Kremlin.
A central focus of the proposed measures is targeting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” — a network of oil tankers used to evade sanctions and transport Russian crude through the Baltic and other seas.
Sources indicate that about 70% of Russian oil exports under sanctions are moved via such vessels. Although many of these tankers are already sanctioned, enforcement remains weak — rated “3 out of 10” by U.S. officials.
Trump’s plan aims to exploit this vulnerability. The U.S. could introduce tighter monitoring and blocking of shipments, including asset freezes for shipping companies and expanded secondary sanctions on countries and entities assisting with sanctions evasion.
The U.S. move may impact global energy markets and further strain Washington’s ties with nations maintaining economic relations with Russia.
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