South Korea shipped fuel to Russia via sanctioned vessels, media reports
Potentially undermining sanctions, over 176,000 tonnes of fuel, mostly diesel, from South Korean ports were loaded onto sanctioned Russian tankers, based on analysis of port records and ship-tracking data.
From July to August 2026, South Korea shipped over 176,000 tonnes of fuel, primarily diesel, to Russia, according to a report by the Guardian on October 6. This seemingly defies diplomatic sanctions. An analysis of port records and ship-tracking data revealed that seven Russian tankers, including three sanctioned by the UK and EU, made 14 trips from Russia's far-eastern ports to South Korean ports, where the fuel was loaded before returning.
Notably, in one instance, fuel was transferred directly from one tanker to another, bypassing South Korean ports altogether. The Guardian asserts that the transfer of fuel does not appear to breach South Korean law, even though it involved vessels sanctioned by Seoul's western partners. South Korea's export controls against Russia presently target electronics, machinery, and vehicles.
Despite this, Russia is believed to utilize its aging, poorly insured tanker fleet, often referred to as a "shadow fleet," to transport oil in contravention of international sanctions. Ukraine's relentless attacks on Russia's oil infrastructure, including long-range strikes on refineries, have prompted Moscow to scramble for fuel.
According to Ukraine's Defense Ministry, over 51% of Russia's oil refining capacity has been disabled by Ukrainian attacks. The U.S. State Department reports that South Korea has extended $706 million in bilateral aid to Ukraine as of February 2026, following Russia's invasion in 2022. However, tensions have escalated between Seoul and Kyiv in recent weeks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently angered South Korea by disclosing the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea during a U.N. General Assembly address. In response, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung cautioned of additional measures against Ukraine if it fails to assume responsibility for the deteriorating relations between the two nations.
While the South Korean foreign ministry has not commented directly on the findings, it stated in a statement to the Guardian that as "a responsible member of the international community, the [South Korean] government supports, and is actively participating in, international efforts to help end the war in Ukraine and bring about a peaceful recovery."
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
