Russia targets American businesses in Ukraine amid maritime oil sanctions

Western allies are increasingly utilizing the Law of the Sea to enforce sanctions against Russian oil. By invoking Article 110 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, countries are exercising boarding and inspection rights to disrupt the ‘shadow fleet’ of tankers used by Russia to bypass Western insurance and environmental standards.

Simultaneously, Russian military strikes in Ukraine have increasingly targeted facilities tied to major American corporations. According to the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, recent drone and missile attacks have damaged infrastructure belonging to brands such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and McDonald’s. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has characterized these strikes on American enterprises as a clear signal directed at the United States.

While the Trump administration has pressured Ukraine to cease strikes on Russian refineries to protect American consumers, officials have remained largely silent regarding the direct targeting of American-owned businesses and investments within Ukraine.