U.S. sanctions have effectively blocked the expansion of Russian LNG exports, particularly through timely enforcement against LNG carriers that violated sanctions against Arctic LNG 2 in August. While Razom We Stand commends the recent U.S. sanctions package, we urge for additional measures to further intensify economic pressure on the Kremlin and dismantle its dirty energy empire that funds the bombs dropped on Ukraine daily.
Razom We Stand urges bold and decisive action in coordination between the US, EU, and UK to phase out all Russian LNG from the European market. International sanctions should tighten further and put Novatek on the same perilous path as Gazprom. Ending reliance on Russian gas is the only way to ensure Europe’s energy security.
“Blocking the Russian LNG shadow fleet is a powerful demonstration of the effectiveness of strictly enforced sanctions against Arctic LNG 2. However, more decisive action is needed to completely halt Russian LNG flows to European and global markets, cutting off a crucial revenue stream for the Kremlin’s war budget. The US and UK have the tools to do this by sanctioning the well-known Arc7 LNG carriers servicing the Yamal LNG project, as well as any other vessels involved with Novatek or Gazprom. The real question now is whether there is the political will for further bold action.” said Svitlana Romanko, founder and executive director of Razom We Stand.
The recent major US sanctions package has made significant strides in hindering Russia’s LNG export expansion, particularly by designating seven LNG carriers that Russia’s Novatek attempted to use to boost exports from the Arctic. Additional two LNG carriers were put under targeted US sanctions on September 5, as well as companies involved registered owner Gotik Energy Shipping Co and commercial manager Plio Energy Cargo Shipping OPC PVT.
All these vessels are part of a broader shadow fleet that Russia employs for its economic, military, and hybrid aggression activities. Ukraine’s sanctions authorities are actively monitoring the activities of Russia’s shadow fleets used for oil and gas exports. Coordinated effort demonstrates the growing international resolve to cut off vital revenue streams that fund the Kremlin’s war budget.
The US and UK have the means to target additional LNG carriers, particularly the Arc7 vessels involved in shipments from the Yamal LNG project, and any other ships conducting business with Novatek or Gazprom. These actions are crucial to fully dismantling Russia’s energy empire and ensuring long-term energy security for Ukraine and the world.
The US sanctions against Russian LNG tankers are part of a broader strategy to undermine Russia’s ability to finance its war efforts through energy exports. The latest measures target LNG carriers associated with Russia’s Novatek, a key player in the Arctic LNG 2 project. Novatek, alongside Gazprom, is instrumental in maintaining Russia’s position in the global energy market, which has been a significant source of funding for the Kremlin’s military activities.
ENDS
Razom We Stand is an international Ukrainian organization. It calls for a total and permanent embargo on Russian fossil fuels and an immediate end to all investment in Russian oil and gas companies by phasing out fossil fuels globally.
Svitlana Romanko was previously quoted on the White House’s official website in response to the Biden administration’s decision to limit global LNG industry expansion and has appeared in top-tier international press, including Washington Post, CNN, NBC, AP, Politico, Bloomberg, The Hill, Financial Times, The Guardian, Der Spiegel, and Le Monde; a detailed list is here.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Paraic Walker
International Communications Specialist Razom We Stand
[email protected]
