South Korea is prepared to initiate legal action if ongoing investigations confirm that fuel shipments to Russia from its ports breached domestic laws. This stance follows reports that significant quantities of refined petroleum products, primarily diesel, were shipped to Russia in July and August.
An analysis of port records and ship-tracking data revealed that over 176,000 tonnes of fuel were loaded onto seven tankers at various South Korean ports, which then made 14 voyages to Russia’s Far East. Notably, three of these vessels are under sanctions from the United Kingdom and the European Union.
South Korean authorities are currently reviewing additional information about these shipments. Officials have stated that the petroleum products in question are not subject to South Korea’s export controls on Russia, which predominantly target industrial machinery, electronics, and vehicles. Moreover, customs records reportedly do not indicate any direct exports of diesel, aviation fuel, or motor petrol to Russia.
The investigation is focusing on the tankers’ routes, declared destinations, and any discrepancies in these declarations, especially since the three sanctioned vessels initially reported destinations like Japan or Singapore before heading to the Russian port city of Vladivostok.
These shipments have sparked concerns in Ukraine, where officials argue that such fuel trade could potentially undermine international sanctions against Russia. In response, South Korea dismissed Ukrainian criticism, labeling recent comments regarding the shipments as inaccurate and inappropriate.
Ukraine has addressed the issue diplomatically, seeking clarification from Seoul. Amid escalating tensions between the two nations, South Korea has recalled its ambassador to Ukraine, expressing a desire to resolve the matter amicably through continuous discussions.