How Trump’s oil tanker seizures add to the crackdown on Russian ‘shadow fleet’

The United States is increasing pressure on the elusive “shadow fleet” of oil tankers that has helped fund Russia’s war in Ukraine, seizing over half a dozen vessels in Venezuelan waters in recent weeks. 

The U.S. blockade of Venezuela and its actions against shadow fleet vessels could be significant for the West as it seeks to disrupt Iran, Russia, and Venezuela’s efforts to evade sanctions and international maritime laws, though it’s still too early to tell how successful the measures will be.

Since the start of December, the Trump administration has seized seven oil tankers that were, or were previously known for, carrying Venezuelan oil. 

The seizures began as part of the administration’s campaign to oust former Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, but have continued as President