January 20, 2025
Kyiv, Ukraine-
Ukrainian campaign group Razom We Stand, advocating for peace through decisive economic measures, is calling on the incoming Trump administration to immediately impose sweeping sanctions on Russia’s fossil fuel exports, especially liquefied natural gas (LNG) and its shadow fleet of tankers. These measures are key to cutting off the Kremlin’s primary sources of war funding and ending its brutal aggression against Ukraine.
Dr Svitlana Romanko, Ukrainian Founder and Executive Director of Razom We Stand, stated:
“Every day that loopholes in Russian energy sanctions remain open is another day we in Ukraine must suffer. The Trump administration must act decisively and quickly to close these gaps, dismantle Russia’s war chest, and demonstrate unwavering support for an end to the brutality.”
“Sanctions on Russian fossil fuels are about ending war and saving lives. Each dollar Russia earns from oil or gas is another dollar spent on missiles raining down on Ukrainian cities causing immeasurable suffering. The time for half-measures is over, Trump should strengthen sanctions now.”
Despite significant measures under the Biden administration, including recent sanctions on major Russian oil producers and 183 shadow fleet vessels, enforcement gaps remain. Learning sanctions evasion methods from Iran, Russia has exploited these weaknesses to maintain fossil fuel revenues, which have funded a staggering 58% increase in military spending in 2024—the highest since the Soviet era. By targeting these vulnerabilities, the Trump administration can deliver a critical blow to Russia’s ability to sustain its war machine.
Mike Waltz, widely expected to become Trump’s National Security Advisor, has already signaled support for tougher measures, emphasizing the need to “enforce the actual energy sanctions on Russia” and “further constrict Russia’s sale of oil and gas.” Such statements provide hope that the new administration will prioritize this critical issue.
Russia’s shadow fleet—a network of tankers operating under false flags or obscure ownership—has become a key tool for circumventing sanctions. These vessels transport Russian oil and LNG at prices above the G7-imposed price cap, enabling Moscow to continue profiting from energy exports. While the Biden administration sanctioned many of these vessels, additional designations are needed to fully dismantle this illicit network.
LNG exports have become an increasingly important revenue stream for Russia, with projects like Yamal LNG in the Arctic benefiting from insufficient enforcement. By sanctioning all Arc7 vessels involved in LNG shipments and expanding penalties on companies like Novatek and Gazprom, the Trump administration can significantly disrupt this trade.
Razom We Stand urges the Trump administration to take immediate steps, including:
- Closing remaining loopholes: Ban imports of refined oil products derived from Russian crude in third countries and end U.S. business ties with Russian energy firms like SLB (Schlumberger), which continues to supply materials supporting Russia’s energy sector
- Expanding targeted sanctions: Designate all shadow fleet vessels transporting Russian oil or LNG without proper insurance or at prices above the cap, along with their owners and operators
- Implementing secondary sanctions: Penalize buyers of Russian oil, (China for example), and entities providing logistical support to shadow fleet operations
The Trump administration has a historic opportunity to lead decisively by fully sanctioning Russia’s energy sector and cutting off its ability to wage war. Anything less would be a failure of moral leadership.
ENDS
Razom We Stand is a Ukrainian clean energy campaign group 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 been previously quoted on the White House’s official website on relevant energy issues and has appeared in the top-tier international press, including Financial Times, Bloomberg, Washington Post, CNN, NBC, Newsweek, Politico, The Hill, The Guardian, Der Spiegel, Le Monde and more.
CONTACT:
Jason Kirkpatrick
Head of Communications
Razom We Stand
[email protected]