Analysis by The Guardian found that South Korea shipped more than 176,000 tonnes of fuel, primarily diesel, to Russia's far east in July and August 2026 via seven tankers. Three of the vessels, including the Layla and Astoria, were under UK and EU sanctions. In August, South Korea provided 112,000 tonnes, or 31%, of Russia's total seaborne oil product imports, which hit 368,000 tonnes—the highest monthly volume since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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South Korea Probes 176,000 Tonne Fuel Exports After Ukraine Confirms Shipments
Commodities12 days ago
The administration in Seoul is reviewing tanker routes and cargo manifests to determine the parties involved in sending petroleum products to Russia. The South Korean government had previously dismissed claims that it was easing Moscow's fuel shortages, with the president's office calling the allegations "inappropriate," but is now probing the cargoes and warns of legal action if illegal shipments are confirmed. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi recently verified the supplies during a briefing, though both nations are engaging in non-public talks to repair diplomatic ties strained by a dispute over North Korean prisoners of war.
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