The Shadow Fleet Dispute
Russia has filed a complaint with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regarding Ukrainian attacks on vessels belonging to its shadow fleet. In response, Ukraine argued that these tankers are not ordinary commercial ships, as they are used to finance the war effort. In early June, Moscow accused Kyiv of terrorism following a strike on the Russian tanker Arctic Metagaz in the Mediterranean Sea. On June 26, Ukraine sent an official letter to the IMO addressing the matter.
Attacks on Vessels and International Response
Throughout 2025, Ukraine has targeted roughly ten shadow fleet ships. Meanwhile, since the start of the full-scale war, Russian forces have attacked 59 commercial vessels, including the Turkish cargo ship MV Victress and the German vessel Helga.
- the Turkish cargo ship MV Victress
- the German vessel Helga
Following Ukrainian strikes in March, no Russian liquefied natural gas tanker has crossed the Mediterranean Sea, prompting these ships to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope.
As part of efforts to counter the shadow fleet, the United Kingdom seized one tanker in the English Channel, while France detained a similar vessel in the Mediterranean. On June 25, the French navy intercepted the oil tanker Deliver off the coast of Sicily. The ship, which was traveling from the Russian port of Primorsk under the flag of Cameroon, had violated maritime law.
Oleksiy Kuleba remarked that 'there is a question of whether the activities of such vessels can be regarded solely as ordinary commercial operations.'
Tensions remain high in maritime waters, with actions from both sides continuing to draw international scrutiny. The conflict over shadow fleet vessels highlights the escalating friction between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the involvement of the global community in addressing these issues. Attacks on ships that fund the war effort challenge their status as commercial entities, which could carry legal implications for all parties. The International Maritime Organization now finds itself at the center of attention, as its decisions may shape the next phase of developments in the region.
As the situation escalates in maritime regions, the recent targeting of civilian vessels by Russia in the Black Sea further complicates the ongoing conflict. This incident underscores the growing tensions and highlights the precarious nature of shipping routes in the area. For more details on this alarming development, see how Russia has engaged with civilian ships in the Black Sea in a separate report.