Ukraine’s President Warns of Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Sabotage and Intelligence Operations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of using its “shadow fleet” of tankers to carry out reconnaissance and sabotage operations across northern Europe, in addition to circumventing international oil sanctions. The remarks were made during a briefing by Lt. Gen. Oleh Ivaschenko, head of Ukraine‘s Foreign Intelligence Service.
Zelenskyy emphasized that the Russian tankers are not only used for financial gain but also for intelligence gathering and sabotage purposes. He urged Europe to mount a “much stronger” response to Russian interference, stating that Ukraine‘s intelligence services are working closely with international partners to provide them with relevant information.
Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’ Linked to Drone Attacks
Earlier this month, Zelenskyy accused Russia of deploying its tankers to launch and control drones targeting European countries. This claim was corroborated by Germany’s Der Spiegel, which reported that investigators were probing a possible link between a suspicious Russian cargo ship and a swarm of drones spotted over Schleswig-Holstein in late September.
The incident highlights the potential risks posed by Russia‘s “shadow fleet” to regional security. The use of drones for malicious purposes has been a growing concern in recent years, and the involvement of Russian tankers adds a new dimension to the threat.
Denmark Warns of Aggressive Russian Warship Behavior
Denmark’s defense intelligence has also warned of aggressive behavior by Russian warships in Danish straits connecting the Baltic and North seas. Incidents have included setting collision courses, pointing weapons at Danish vessels and helicopters, and disrupting navigation systems.
The warnings underscore the need for increased vigilance and cooperation among European nations to counter the growing threat posed by Russia‘s “shadow fleet.” As Zelenskyy emphasized, it is essential that Europe mounts a stronger response to Russian interference to protect its interests and ensure regional security.
Original Article: Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ used for sabotage and intelligence operations, Zelenskyy says — Nv