Ukraine Sanctions 94 Russian Shadow Fleet Captains, Companies

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the enactment of the first of three new sanctions packages targeting the captains of Russia's shadow fleet, comprising 94 individuals and five companies involved in transporting Russian oil circumventing price caps. These sanctions include asset freezes, trade and financial transaction restrictions, and transit bans through Ukrainian territory, aiming to disrupt Russia’s oil transport network and align with international measures such as those adopted by the European Union. Zelenskyy emphasized synchronizing Ukraine's sanctions with international partners to maximize their effectiveness across jurisdictions, highlighting close cooperation with the United States and other allies. The shadow fleet includes tankers like the JUN MA, whose captain, Soe Hlaing Win, is also sanctioned by multiple Western countries for transporting oil to nations including China, India, and Turkey. In addition to sanctions, Ukraine is preparing for the heating season with enhanced air defense and domestic weapons production to strengthen critical infrastructure. These coordinated measures reflect Ukraine's ongoing efforts to increase political and economic pressure on Russia amid the ongoing conflict.