Russian Tankers Operating Outside Sanctions: Zelenskyy Reveals Shadow Fleet’s Scale
Russian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine’s intelligence has revealed Russia’s shadow fleet includes over 500 tankers delivering oil while circumventing international sanctions. He made this statement during a briefing with journalists on October 8, as reported by Suspilne.
Zelenskyy emphasized the need to stop these tankers entirely, which would have a significant impact on the energy trade and Europe’s security. The Ukrainian President highlighted that such tankers are among the platforms used by Russia to launch drones. He added that Russian intelligence officers were on board the Boracay, a tanker detained by French authorities on September 30.
Recent Developments in Disrupting Russia’s Shadow Fleet
On November 4, 2023, Estonian authorities detained an oil tanker that formed part of Russia’s shadow fleet and had been sailing through Estonian waters in the Gulf of Finland. The vessel’s detention was a significant development in the ongoing efforts to disrupt Russia’s attempts to circumvent international sanctions.
On October 2, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed that law enforcement had detained two crew members from the Boracay as part of a state-led investigation into Russia’s shadow fleet operations. This move was seen as a significant step in cracking down on Russia’s attempts to evade sanctions.
Environmental and Security Concerns
Zelenskyy warned that Russia’s “shadow fleet” poses one of the biggest environmental threats in the world and remains a major source of funding for Moscow’s war. He emphasized the need to take action against these tankers, which are not only circumventing sanctions but also posing a significant environmental risk.
International Military Responses
Denmark’s military intelligence service previously reported that Russian warships had repeatedly acted aggressively in the Danish straits connecting the Baltic and North Seas. This included setting collision courses, aiming weapons at Danish vessels and helicopters, and disrupting navigation systems.
On October 2, Spiegel reported that German investigators were probing possible links between a suspicious Russian cargo vessel and a series of drone sightings over Schleswig-Holstein in late September. This development highlights the ongoing efforts to uncover Russia’s attempts to use drones for malicious purposes.
Original Article: Over 500 Russian tankers operating outside sanctions — Zelenskyy — Nv