EU Authorizes Boarding Operations Against Russian Shadow Fleet Vessels
The European Union (EU) has taken a significant step in its efforts to counter Russia’s shadow fleet by authorizing naval forces of member states to board vessels when there are reasonable suspicions regarding their identification or violations of international norms. This move marks a shift from monitoring and surveillance to physical inspections, according to Vladyslav Vlasiuk, an adviser to the Office of the President of Ukraine.
The EU’s Operation IRINI, established in 2020 under a UN mandate, initially aimed to enforce the arms embargo on Libya. In 2025, its mandate was expanded to include monitoring vessels that may be circumventing sanctions, including those transporting Russian oil. However, physical inspections only began in 2026.
First Physical Inspection Under Operation IRINI
On June 1, an inspection team boarded the sanctioned tanker MV Oneiroi in international waters of the Mediterranean Sea for the first time. The vessel is under EU and Ukrainian sanctions. The inspection was prompted by suspicions that it was operating under a false flag and was involved in transporting Russian oil.
The MV Oneiroi’s boarding marks a significant milestone for Operation IRINI, which had previously been limited to surveillance, radio checks, and inspections conducted with the consent of captains.
Ukraine Welcomes EU’s Decision
“We have long expected clearer and more decisive action in this direction from the EU, as the activities of Russia’s shadow fleet have been documented since 2023,” said Vladyslav Vlasiuk. Ukraine supports stronger practical measures and expects further expansion of sanctions on the maritime transport of Russian oil and petroleum products within the EU.
At the same time, according to Vlasiuk, the issue of transporting Russian oil via northern maritime routes — from the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea through the Danish Straits to the North Sea — remains unresolved. Russia actively uses this route for oil exports despite efforts by individual countries. Since the beginning of the year, Sweden has detained four vessels, one of which may be transferred to Ukraine.
Recent Developments
On June 1, the French Navy boarded the sanctioned oil tanker Tagor in the Atlantic Ocean. The vessel had departed from Russia and was under international sanctions. Meanwhile, units of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces struck the sanctioned cargo ship Leonid Pestrikov in the port of occupied Berdiansk. The vessel was used to transport cargo from occupied Ukrainian ports.
The EU’s decision to authorize boarding operations sends a strong message that it is committed to countering Russia’s shadow fleet and upholding international norms. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this development will impact the global oil market and the ongoing efforts to enforce sanctions against Russia.
Original Article: EU gives naval forces power to board Russian shadow fleet vessels — Rbc