The European Union plans to take stronger action against the so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers that Russia employs to bypass Western sanctions, newly appointed EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas revealed in an interview with the German newspaper Die Welt.
Fleet Operates Illegally and Undermines Sanctions
This shadow fleet comprises hundreds of Russian cargo ships operating under dubious circumstances. Many vessels lack proper registration or fly flags of convenience, and they often deactivate their location transmitters to avoid detection. These tankers transport oil sold at prices exceeding the EU-imposed price cap. The fleet primarily consists of aging and uninsured ships, further compounding risks to safety and the environment.
Allegations of Sabotage Activities
Beyond evading sanctions, the shadow fleet is also suspected of engaging in sabotage. On Christmas Day, an undersea power cable linking Estonia and Finland was damaged—an incident attributed to a Russian oil tanker from this fleet.
“The Russian shadow fleet is threatening the environment and financing the Russian war chest,” Kallas, the former Estonian prime minister, stated in the interview. She described the cable damage as an act of sabotage and emphasized that it was not an isolated incident. According to Kallas, Russia is targeting Europe’s digital and energy infrastructure as part of a broader campaign to destabilize the region.
EU and NATO Respond to Rising Threats
While Kallas did not specify the measures the EU plans to implement, her remarks signal a firm stance on addressing the shadow fleet’s activities. NATO has also recently announced an increased military presence in the Baltic Sea, reflecting heightened concerns over regional security.
The EU’s approach underscores its commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure and enforcing sanctions against Russia, as tensions remain high amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
