Australia slaps sanctions on Russian 'shadow fleet'
Australia has joined allies in imposing penalties on clandestine Russian vessels used to evade sanctions and trade in goods that help support Moscow's war in Ukraine.
The sanctions on 60 vessels are the first such measures by Australia targeting Russia's so-called 'shadow fleet'.
"Operating under deceptive practices, including flag-hopping, disabling tracking systems, and operating with inadequate insurance, the shadow fleet enables the illicit trade of Russian oil and other sanctioned goods," Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement.
"These sanctions reinforce Australia's consistent commitment to ensuring Russia, and those enabling its illegal invasion of Ukraine, face consequences."
The move comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other world leaders at the G7 meetings in Canada.
Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union also announced sanctions on Russia's shadow fleet, which Senator Wong said would "help starve the Russian war economy of oil revenue".
In a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Mr Zelenskiy stressed the need for G7 countries to co-ordinate sanctions against Russia's energy and banking sectors, shadow fleet and military-industrial complex.
Russia has continued to bombard Ukraine following stalled peace talks between the two nations.
At least 18 people were killed and more than 150 injured in drone and missile strikes in Ukraine's capital Kyiv overnight.
Australia and Ukraine are not members of the G7 forum but were invited to the summit by host nation Canada, along with other "outreach" countries including India, Mexico and South Korea.
Mr Albanese and Mr Zelenskiy shared an embrace on the sidelines of the summit, with the Australian prime minister opening the door to joining a "coalition of the willing" to help monitor a possible ceasefire in Ukraine.
"If we can get some advance in peace, Australia is certainly willing to consider being part of the coalition of the willing," he said.
with PA
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