The United States has rejected a proposal to create a special G7 task force aimed at monitoring violations of sanctions against Russia’s shadow oil fleet. The move, reported by Bloomberg citing anonymous sources, has raised concerns among allies about Washington’s shifting stance on Russia. At the same time, the US is pushing for stronger language on China in the G7’s upcoming joint statement while attempting to soften wording related to Russia.
Next week, foreign ministers from G7 nations will gather in Charlevoix, Quebec, for a summit chaired by Canada. The agenda includes discussions on maritime security, economic sanctions, and the enforcement of measures against Russia. Canada proposed the creation of a special unit within the G7 to track and combat the illicit transport of Russian oil, but the US vetoed the idea.
Diplomatic sources revealed that Washington has also attempted to dilute the language used in the G7 statement. The US reportedly pushed to remove references to “sanctions” and sought to replace the phrase “Russia’s ability to wage war” with the more neutral term “generating income.” This change appears to downplay the impact of Russia’s oil trade on its ongoing aggression in Ukraine.
Russia has been using a network of tankers, often referred to as a “shadow fleet,” to bypass international sanctions and continue exporting oil. These vessels operate under complex ownership structures, frequently switching flags and turning off tracking systems to evade detection. The revenue generated from these operations directly funds the Kremlin’s war effort against Ukraine.
The White House has reportedly instructed the US Treasury to explore ways to ease energy sanctions on Russia, a move that some analysts believe is linked to potential negotiations between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin regarding an end to the war in Ukraine. The prospect of softened sanctions has caused concern among European allies, who fear that any relaxation of pressure on Russia could prolong the conflict and allow Moscow to strengthen its military capabilities.
The G7 has played a key role in enforcing economic measures against Russia since the start of the full scale invasion of Ukraine. Measures have included oil price caps, restrictions on Russian financial institutions, and penalties on companies assisting Moscow in bypassing sanctions. Canada and European G7 members have been strong advocates for tightening enforcement, particularly against the shadow fleet, which enables Russia to continue profiting from oil exports despite restrictions.
With Washington’s rejection of the proposed task force and its attempts to soften the G7 statement on Russia, questions arise about the United States’ commitment to maintaining strict pressure on the Kremlin.
