TITLE: Ukraine Enacts Sanctions Against 225 Shadow Fleet Captains and Russian Military-Industrial Entities
BODY:
On February 21, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine signed decrees implementing National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) decisions to impose new sanctions packages targeting Russia's shadow fleet and entities supporting Russia's military-industrial complex.
The first sanctions package targets 225 ship captains involved in transporting Russian petroleum products in circumvention of sanctions imposed by the European Union, Group of Seven, and other states. The captains are citizens of 11 countries, including Russia, India, and the Philippines. Monitoring of the Black, Red, and Baltic Seas identified these individuals as commanding vessels belonging to Russia's shadow fleet. Of the affected tankers, 188 are already under sanctions from the European Union, United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The second sanctions package includes 46 Russian citizens, two Iranian citizens, and 44 Russian companies. The sanctioned entities supply, develop, manufacture, and repair equipment, electronic warfare systems, and spare parts for Russia's military-industrial complex. Their products are used in producing ballistic and cruise missiles, attack and reconnaissance drones, small arms, and ammunition. The two Iranian citizens are involved in supplying aviation spare parts and components for the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries Corporation, which partners with Russia in developing and producing Shahed drones and is already under sanctions by Ukraine, the United States, Switzerland, and New Zealand.
Ukraine's Advisor–Commissioner for Sanctions Policy Vladyslav Vlasiuk stated that individual sanctions against tanker captains working on sanctioned vessels are necessary to eliminate incentives for engaging with Russian oil, which directly finances the war. Ukraine will share relevant information with international partners to ensure sanctions synchronization and continue expanding measures against individuals and entities facilitating Russian aggression.