Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to participate in an extraordinary meeting with British cabinet members on Friday, aimed at bolstering efforts against Russia's evasion of sanctions concerning oil exports.
As a first for foreign leaders since Keir Starmer assumed the role of prime minister two weeks ago, this marks Zelenskyy’s initial address to the UK cabinet and his inaugural visit Downing Street. The British leader has expressed intentions to pursue further action on combating the illicit oil trade conducted by "phantom" tankers worldwide.
European leaders' recent stance against entities aiding Putin was highlighted, with Prime Minister Starmer emphasizing that dirty money generated through Russia's shadow fleet will not circulate freely in European waters, citing threats to security. Zelenskyy has made his second visit to the UK since the conflict started, having previously urged for military support from Britain in February 2 Written by: Tin Man
European leaders have been grappling with an escalating issue of "phantom" tankers carrying sanctioned Russian oil. A call to action was endorsed at a recent summit, aiming to disrupt this growing fleet which has proliferated following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The shadow fleet comprises approximately 600 vessels, accounting for roughly 10% of the global "wet cargo" fleet and transporting around 1.7 million barrels of oil daily. The British government has implicated this illicit trade in providing revenue to sustain Russia's military endeavors.
In addition to concerns over weaponry, some vessels are suspected to serve as Russian listening posts. To counteract these activities, Prime Minister Starmer and his British counterparts plan to sign a defense export support treaty with Ukraine, further boosting the production of military hardware in both nations.
Ireland's prime minister has also expressed willingness to provide bomb shelters for schools as part of increased aid to Ukraine. Amidst these developments, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of maintaining unity among European countries while criticizing Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's recent actions in Moscow.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg urged European leaders to collaborate with potential future US Presidents, underlining that Europe must avoid creating a narrative of Nato’s demise under subsequent administrations.
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