U.S. Military and Ukraine Target Rogue Oil Tankers Evading Sanctions

A coordinated effort by the U.S. and Ukraine is underway to target an estimated 1,000 oil tankers, dubbed a 'dark fleet', that are evading international sanctions. These vessels are primarily involved in transporting sanctioned oil from countries like Iran, Venezuela, and Russia, and are seen as a crucial lifeline for these regimes, funding their activities, including the war in Ukraine.

According to maritime intelligence analyst Michelle Wiese Bockmann, this strategy marks a significant shift, with recent U.S. actions, including the seizure of the tanker Skipper off Venezuela, underscoring the urgency of these operations.

The Skipper was found carrying 1.8 million barrels of uninsured oil, posing a significant environmental risk. Ukrainian naval drone strikes have also targeted multiple vessels in the Black Sea, further indicating a more aggressive stance against this illicit oil trade.

Experts warn that many of these vessels are inadequately maintained, lack insurance, and are often falsely flagged, creating both safety and environmental hazards. As the U.S. utilizes legal frameworks, such as Article 110 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to combat these illicit activities, this new strategy aims to disrupt the revenue streams that support hostile regimes.