A new analysis reveals South Korea has sent more than 150,000 tonnes of fuel—primarily diesel—to Russia over two months, despite international sanctions targeting Moscow’s energy trade. The shipments, carried by vessels flagged in sanctioned countries, raise questions about Seoul’s stance on supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. Investigators traced the fuel to seven tankers making multiple trips from South Korean ports to Russia’s far east, highlighting potential loopholes in global sanctions enforcement. The findings underscore growing concerns over indirect trade flows sustaining Russia’s war efforts.
Exclusive: Guardian analysis finds more than 150,000 tonnes of fuel was shipped to Russian ports in July and August, some using sanctioned tankers Oil is being shipped from South Korea to Russia via sanctioned tankers as Moscow scrambles for supplies amid the war in Ukraine, a move one expert said “undermines” Seoul’s public backing for Kyiv.Guardian analysis of port records and ship-tracking data found that in July and August over 176,000 tonnes of fuel, mostly diesel, was loaded at several South Korean ports on to seven tankers that made 14 voyages to Russia’s far east. Continue reading...
