RUSI Maritime Sanctions Taskforce: Second Meeting Report

RUSI’s Maritime Sanctions Taskforce first convened in November 2024, to assess the threats posed by Russia’s circumvention of maritime sanctions, in particular through its shadow fleet, and to identify enforcement priorities for G7+ partners. The findings from this inaugural meeting were reflected in the first Taskforce report.

In January 2025, the Taskforce held its second meeting, to examine the evolving strategies of the shadow fleet and provide operational recommendations to enhance collective enforcement efforts. The discussion addressed the shifting patterns of the shadow fleet, the need to refine designations, the importance of diplomatic engagement with flag states, and the potential leverage of international legal frameworks to strengthen maritime sanctions enforcement. This report summarises the findings and recommendations of the second Taskforce meeting, in order to inform policy decisions, enhance international coordination, and bolster the effectiveness of maritime sanctions.