According to a recent publication by Reuters, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators has unveiled new legislation aimed at tightening sanctions against the Russian energy sector. This initiative specifically targets older oil tankers that are allegedly being used to circumvent existing U.S. sanctions.
The proposed bill, known as the “Sanctioning Harbors and Dodgers of Western Sanctions” (SHADOW Fleets Act), emerges in response to President Donald Trump’s call for nations to reduce their purchases of Russian oil—an essential revenue source for Russia’s economy and its ongoing military actions in Ukraine.
Spearheaded by Republican Senator Jim Risch from Idaho and Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire, along with support from several other senators across party lines, this legislation aims to identify vessels associated with the so-called Shadow Fleet through specific indicators. It also seeks to impose strict penalties on any ship that engages in transactions with these sanctioned vessels.
In addition, the bill proposes sanctions on Russian Arctic liquid natural gas projects and halts new developments related to LNG projects in Russia. Notably, it would also terminate operations of the Nord Stream II pipeline intended for Europe.
This legislative effort aligns U.S. sanctions more closely with those imposed by the European Union (EU). EU officials recently announced plans to accelerate their ban on imports of Russian LNG by one year as part of an extensive package aimed at countering Moscow’s actions.
The future of this bill remains uncertain; another piece of legislation introduced earlier this year seeking severe sanctions against Russia has stalled due to Congressional leaders awaiting direction from Trump regarding further action.
As global tensions rise following a recent incident involving a Russian incursion into Estonian airspace—heightening concerns about regional stability—various groups within Congress have also proposed additional measures focused on enhancing security in Eastern Europe and utilizing frozen assets from Russia for Ukraine’s benefit.
