Russian Tanker Spotted with Machine Guns in Gulf of Finland
Estonian border guards reportedly recorded the first instance of a civilian Russian tanker armed with machine guns in the Gulf of Finland in May. The development has raised concerns about potential military escalation in the region.
The Estonian outlet Eesti Ekspress was the first to obtain aerial photographs taken from an Estonian border guard surveillance aircraft, showing a machine gun on board the Russian vessel Marshal Vasilevsky – a Gazprom LNG tanker carrying liquefied gas from mainland Russia to the Kaliningrad Oblast. The footage, taken in early May, is described as the first evidence that a Russian tanker may be armed.
Machine Guns Installed for Defense
It is believed the machine guns may have been installed on board in the event of a Ukrainian drone attack in the area of Saint Petersburg’s ports or in case an attempt is made to stop the tanker. The move comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with both countries engaged in a protracted conflict.
The installation of machine guns on Russian tankers has sparked concerns about potential military escalation in the region. The development may also raise questions about the effectiveness of international sanctions against Russia, which have been criticized for their limited impact on the country’s economy.
Background: Recent Developments
On 23 June, French military forces detained a sanctioned Russian shadow fleet tanker in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Sicily. This was already France’s fifth interception of Russian tankers. The move is seen as part of an international effort to enforce sanctions against Russia and prevent it from circumventing them.
Finland recently concluded its investigation into damage to undersea cables in the Gulf of Finland caused by the vessel Fitburg. The incident has raised concerns about the potential for further attacks on critical infrastructure in the region.
The development of a Russian tanker with machine guns in the Gulf of Finland is a significant escalation of tensions in the region and may have far-reaching implications for international relations and global energy markets.
Original Article: Armed Russian tanker with machine guns reportedly spotted in Gulf of Finland — Ukrainska Pravda