According to a recent publication by the President of Ukraine, sanctions have been placed on 56 maritime vessels accused of unlawfully entering ports under Russian control and exporting Ukrainian agricultural goods from 2022 to 2025.
This decision came after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy endorsed a decree following recommendations from the National Security and Defence Council (NSDC). The official announcement highlighted that these vessels had transported significant quantities of Ukrainian wheat, sunflower seeds, and other food products from the occupied ports of Sevastopol and Feodosia.
Interestingly, many of these ships were already facing restrictions imposed by international bodies such as the European Union, United States, and Switzerland. The President’s Office noted that not all sanctioned vessels operated under Russian flags; seventeen were registered in various other countries. Ukraine intends to collaborate with those nations to revoke licenses granted to these ships.
Furthermore, it was revealed that individuals involved in these operations profited financially while contributing taxes to Russia’s state budget-funds that have reportedly bolstered Russia’s ongoing military efforts against Ukraine.
The sanctions outlined in Presidential Decree No. /2025 will remain effective for a decade. They encompass asset freezes, trade operation restrictions, resource transit limitations, and halting economic obligations related to the targeted vessels.
The President’s Office emphasized its commitment to intensifying pressure on Russia across all fronts while working closely with international allies to encourage an end to hostilities.
In addition to targeting maritime assets, Presidential Decree No. 67/2025 has also placed restrictions on 56 Russian nationals along with one Iranian individual identified as captains within this shadow fleet operating under Russian auspices.
An analysis of maritime activities has uncovered around 940 vessels linked with this shadow fleet since January-a staggering increase of 45% compared to last year. Reports indicate that nearly one-sixth of global tankers now belong within this network-approximately 17%-with many being older models sailing under neutral flags. Experts caution that beyond environmental concerns and evasion risks associated with sanctions compliance, some may serve as potential platforms for hybrid threats directed at Europe.
