Dark Fleet Seeking Russian Protection as US Seizes Oil Tankers

At least 26 ships have switched registration to Russia since the beginning of last month, according to Starboard Maritime Intelligence data. . . . The recent move toward Russian registration is a calculation by vessel owners that Moscow will provide political cover when other nations won’t, according to Charlie Brown, a senior adviser at United Against Nuclear Iran, an advocacy group that tracks the dark fleet. “This may offer a new potential solution for the illicit dark-fleet networks, but it also raises the stakes,” he said. “Because it underscores that sanctions evasion is no longer just a maritime compliance problem, but a strategic challenge involving state protection and geopolitical risks.”