Ukrainian Climate Group Calls for Immediate Action from New UK Government to Ban Russian Oil and Disrupt the Shadow Fleet

For Immediate Release
Kyiv/London 

In response to the announcement of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s visit to the UK cabinet meeting to address the issue of Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, Razom We Stand calls for decisive action to halt the illicit flow of Russian oil that funds the Kremlins war chest against Ukraine.

We commend President Zelenskiy’s efforts to address this critical issue with the UK government, and Prime Minister Starmer’s new strong message of support this morning. However, it is imperative that the UK and its allies take immediate and robust action to ban Russian oil imports entirely and dismantle the shadow fleet operations. By allowing these illicit activities to continue, the UK is indirectly supporting the Kremlin’s war machine and prolonging the suffering of innocent civilians.

Svitlana Romanko stated: “The latest brutal missile strikes on Ukraine, which have tragically targeted even children’s hospitals, are funded by Russia’s unchecked oil revenues. The shadow fleet of tankers transporting Russian crude oil under the radar must be dismantled immediately. This illicit activity not only fuels Putin’s war machine but also undermines the integrity of international sanctions designed to curb Russia’s aggression. The new UK government and its allies have a moral imperative to enforce and expand sanctions rigorously, ensuring no loopholes are left for Russia to exploit. Together, we can cut off Russia’s fossil fuel cash cow and bring an end to the war in Ukraine. Every barrel of oil that escapes sanctions sends blood money to fund more missiles fired at Ukrainian civilians. The UK must act now.”

The time for half-measures is over. We need a comprehensive and enforceable strategy to ensure that sanctions bite hard and that no Russian oil, masked or otherwise, reaches international markets. This is not just about economic measures; it is about standing up for human rights, the planet and international law.

We urge the newly formed UK Treasury Select Committee to prioritise reopening the inquiry into the effectiveness of Russia’s economic sanctions and to work closely with international partners to implement stricter controls and enforcement mechanisms.

ENDS

Razom We Stand is a Ukrainian organisation active internationally, calling for a total and permanent embargo on Russian fossil fuels and an immediate end to all investment into Russian oil and gas companies by phasing out fossil fuels globally.

Svitlana Romanko has appeared in top-tier international press, including Financial Times, Bloomberg, The Guardian, Politico, Washington Post, CNN, NBC, The Hill,  Der Spiegel, Le Monde, and more.

Press contact: 
Paraic Walker
International Communications Specialist Razom We Stand
[email protected]