In the latest assessment of Russia’s oil exports, Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service revealed that over 1100 tankers are part of the Kremlin’s shadow fleet as of December 2025, Liga reports. Most of these vessels are already sanctioned by Ukraine, the European Union, or the United States.
Ukraine identifies 1100+ tankers in Russia’s shadow fleet
The Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service stated that more than 1100 tankers are currently used by Russia to transport oil and oil products, bypassing international sanctions. This clandestine fleet has grown by over 50 tankers in just six months, the agency told Liga in a written reply.
Among the entire fleet, 656 vessels are under Ukrainian sanctions. The European Union has sanctioned 529 of these ships, while the US has targeted 226 tankers with its own restrictions.
The largest portions of the fleet are registered in three countries: 14% in Russia, 11% in Liberia, and 9% in Sierra Leone, according to Ukrainian intelligence data.
High risks, murky ownership
Russia’s shadow fleet consists mainly of aging tankers and cargo ships used to circumvent sanctions and maintain oil exports. These vessels often switch flags, owners, and operators. They also frequently conduct offshore oil transfers to obscure the origin of the cargo.
Most of these ships lack proper insurance and technical oversight, raising serious concerns about accidents and environmental disasters.
