Australia announces sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Defence Minister Richard Marles, and Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced this in a joint statement, Ukrinform reports.

"The Australian Government has today imposed additional targeted sanctions on 180 individuals, entities and shadow fleet vessels with links to Russia, our single largest sanctions package since February 2022," the statement said.

The new restrictions target Russia's financial and banking, defense, aviation, oil and gas, transport, and scientific and technological sectors. They are intended to reduce Russia's revenues and further limit its ability to continue its illegal and brutal invasion of Ukraine.

It is noted that the banking and financial sectors facilitate the procurement of technologies and equipment needed by Russia to sustain the invasion, while the oil and gas and transport sectors generate revenue for the Russian government. Russia's aviation and defense sectors are critical to the development of its military capabilities. Sanctions on shadow fleet vessels aim to deprive Russia's war economy of income.

For the first time, Australia has also targeted cryptocurrency organizations that enable cross-border payments to circumvent sanctions and support Russia's military operations.

To date, Australia has imposed more than 1,800 sanctions in response to Russia's illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

It is emphasized that Australia remains steadfast in its commitment to a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and expresses respect for the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people. Since the start of the full-scale war, Canberra has allocated more than $1.7 billion in assistance, including $1.5 billion in military support for Ukraine's self-defense. Australia has also contributed $40 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, including $10 million announced in January 2026 to provide lighting, heating for homes, and the functioning of essential services.

Australia has also lowered the price cap on Russian oil from $47.60 per barrel to $44.10 as part of measures taken by its international partners to further reduce the market value of Russian crude oil.

Australia closely coordinates its actions with Ukraine and international partners through the Coalition of the Willing. In particular, the country's Deputy Prime Minister will take part in a Coalition meeting on Tuesday evening.

As reported by Ukrinform, New Zealand is providing Ukraine with a new aid package worth NZ$8 million (US$4.7 million) and is introducing additional sanctions against Russia's war machine.

Photo: Ministry of Energy