Archive · 16 Dec 2025
EU Sanctions Russian Oil Traders
The European Union has added new sanctions against some people and companies that help Russia sell its oil.
These people and companies are linked to a secret group of oil tankers that Russia uses to sell oil to countries like India and China.
The EU has already sanctioned over 2,600 individuals and companies.
The new sanctions target people like Murtaza Lakhani, who is a Canadian-Pakistani oil trader, and others who work with big Russian oil companies like Rosneft and Lukoil.
The EU says these people help Russia sell its oil, which is used to fund the war in Ukraine.
One of the companies, 2Rivers Group, says it stopped trading Russian oil in 2023 and closed down in August 2024.
The EU expects to add more than 40 ships to the list of sanctioned vessels, bringing the total to about 600.
EU imposed sanctions on individuals and entities linked to Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers.
Sanctioned individuals include Murtaza Lakhani, Etibar Eyyub, Valery Kildiyarov, Anar Madatli, and Talat Safarov.
Sanctioned entities include Mercantile & Maritime, Litasco Middle East DMCC, 2Rivers Group, Alghaf Marine, and Coral Energy.
EU expects to list more than 40 ships in Russia's shadow fleet, bringing the total to about 600 vessels.
2Rivers Group claims it stopped Russian oil trading in 2023 and dissolved in August 2024.
- Who
- EU, Russian oil traders (Murtaza Lakhani, Etibar Eyyub, Valery Kildiyarov, Anar Madatli, Talat Safarov)
- What
- EU imposed sanctions on individuals and entities linked to Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers
- When
- December 15, 2024
- Where
- European Union, Russia, Singapore, London, Dubai
- Why
- To reduce Russia's access to shipping and insurance providers, and to disrupt its oil exports funding the war in Ukraine
EU and Western Allies
Russia and Sanctioned Entities
Sanctions Effectiveness
EU and Western Allies
The EU believes the sanctions will reduce Russia's access to shipping and insurance providers, disrupting its oil exports and funding for the war in Ukraine.
Russia and Sanctioned Entities
Russia has adapted to previous sanctions and continues to sell oil to countries like India and China, albeit at discounts.
2Rivers Group's Activities
EU and Western Allies
The EU sanctions suggest 2Rivers Group (formerly Coral Energy) was involved in Russian oil trading until recently.
Russia and Sanctioned Entities
2Rivers Group claims it stopped Russian oil trading in 2023 and dissolved in August 2024.
- Sanctioned Individuals
- Murtaza Lakhani, Etibar Eyyub, Valery Kildiyarov, Anar Madatli, Talat Safarov
- Sanctioned Entities
- Mercantile & Maritime, Litasco Middle East DMCC, 2Rivers Group, Alghaf Marine, Coral Energy
- Total Sanctioned Individuals/Companies
- 2,600+
- Expected Shadow Fleet Ships
- 600
- Sanctions Packages
- 19
- Key Russian Oil Companies
- Rosneft, Lukoil
- Lakhani's Background
- Former Glencore trader, worked on Iraqi and Kurdistan oil deals
- 2Rivers Group's Claim
- Stopped Russian oil trading in 2023, dissolved in August 2024
Sources
EU imposes sanctions on oil traders with links to Russia’s shipping network
EU Imposes New Sanctions on Russian Oil Traders Murtaza Lakhani and Etibar Eyyub Targeting Shadow Fleet and Companies Linked to Rosneft and Lukoil
EU Imposes Sanctions On Oil Traders With Links To Russia's Shipping Network
