South Korea has announced its intention to pursue legal action if investigations reveal that recent fuel shipments from its ports to Russia breached domestic laws. This follows reports indicating that substantial amounts of refined petroleum products, predominantly diesel, were delivered to Russia in July and August.
According to an analysis of port records and ship-tracking data, over 176,000 tonnes of fuel were loaded at various South Korean ports and transported to Russia’s Far East by seven tankers, completing 14 voyages. Notably, three of these vessels are under sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom and the European Union, raising concerns about potential legal violations.
South Korean officials have stated that the petroleum products in question are not subject to the nation’s export controls on Russia, which generally apply to industrial machinery, electronics, and vehicles. Furthermore, customs records have not verified any direct exports of diesel, aviation fuel, or motor petrol to Russia.
The investigation is focusing on the tankers’ routes, declared destinations, and any reasons for changes in their itineraries to determine if there were any false declarations or other unlawful activities. Reports suggest that the three sanctioned vessels initially declared Japan or Singapore as their destinations before eventually heading to Vladivostok, Russia.
The shipments have drawn criticism from Ukraine, where officials argue that such fuel trades could potentially undermine international sanctions against Russia. South Korea has dismissed these claims, describing recent Ukrainian statements as inaccurate and inappropriate.
Ukraine has reportedly engaged diplomatic channels to address the issue and has requested an explanation from South Korea. Amid escalating tensions, South Korea has recalled its ambassador to Ukraine, expressing hope that the situation can be amicably resolved through ongoing discussions.