UK Finance Minister calls for tighter Russian shipping sanctions

British Finance Minister John Healey has called for international cooperation to tighten sanctions against Russia-linked shipping. Speaking ahead of the International Monetary Fund meetings in Bangkok, Healey urged finance ministers to restrict shipping services that assist the Russian “shadow fleet” in bypassing existing economic sanctions.

This appeal comes as reports suggest the Trump administration is considering easing sanctions on certain shadow fleet vessels carrying oil and petroleum from Russia, Iran, and Venezuela to lower global freight rates. Such moves have previously drawn criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and various European leaders.

Additionally, Healey announced that the United Kingdom will provide £17 million ($23 million) to assist in repairs at Ukraine’s Chornobyl nuclear power plant, which sustained damage from a Russian drone strike last year. The UK will join the United States and France in providing these funds.