Ukraine, UK Target Russia’s Shadow Fleet

Ukraine and the United Kingdom have agreed to continue coordinating sanctions against Russia, with a focus on the country’s shadow fleet and electronics used by its military-industrial sector, Ukraine’s presidential office said.

Vladyslav Vlasiuk, adviser and commissioner for sanctions policy to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, met in Kyiv with Jack Meeson, the first secretary of the British Embassy in Ukraine, and political adviser James Ford on May 13.

Vlasiuk praised Britain’s sanctions policy, saying the United Kingdom had adopted nearly 30 decisions since Russia’s full-scale invasion targeting more than 3,000 individuals and legal entities, as well as vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet. Ukraine fully aligned 11 British sanctions decisions in 2025 and partially aligned those adopted in 2026, according to the presidential office.

The officials also discussed sanctions imposed over the alleged abduction of Ukrainian children. Britain’s May 11 package incorporated nearly 70% of Ukraine’s proposals and targeted Dmitry Shevchenko, director of the Voin military-sports and patriotic training center, along with the center itself. Kyiv says the facility was involved in the illegal deportation of children from occupied Ukrainian territories.

The two sides agreed to work on additional restrictions on electronics exports to Russia and measures aimed at stopping Russian tankers operating as part of the shadow fleet. Ukrainian officials said tighter controls on scarce components could hinder Russia’s military production.