Putin Claims EU Detentions of Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Ships are ‘Piracy’
The detention of the Boracay, a tanker linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, by French authorities in September 2025 has sparked controversy, with Russian President Vladimir Putin denouncing the seizure as “piracy.” However, what does international law say about detaining foreign-flagged ships under certain conditions?
Why are EU Countries Targeting the Shadow Fleet?
From the European Union’s perspective, the shadow fleet poses two key concerns. Politically, the fleet is viewed as a deliberate attempt by Moscow to bypass international sanctions, which the E.U. considers unacceptable. Second, there are serious environmental risks. The vessels are typically 25-30 years old and operate under flags of countries that do not enforce international safety or environmental standards.
Do All Ships Have the Right to Sail Freely Under International Law?
Not exactly. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) — the primary international legal framework governing maritime activity — a ship’s rights depend on which maritime zone it’s in. The closer a vessel is to a coastal state’s territory, the more limited its rights.
What Rights Do Foreign Vessels Have in International Waters?
Legally speaking, there’s no such thing as “neutral waters.” Putin was likely referring to France’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), as the Boracay was reportedly in that zone when it was detained. Our only hope is you. Support Meduza before it’s too late.
Does Freedom of Navigation Apply in EEZs?
Yes — to an extent. Articles 58(2) and 87 of UNCLOS guarantee freedom of navigation within countries’ EEZs. Generally, coastal states like France or Estonia cannot restrict this right, let alone detain foreign vessels. However, this freedom is not absolute. UNCLOS includes exceptions that allow coastal states to detain foreign-flagged ships under certain conditions.
What are Those Exceptions?
Two exceptions are especially relevant to the shadow fleet. First, if a vessel changes its flag while at sea, it loses its nationality under UNCLOS. A ship without nationality may legally be detained by any coastal state. In April, Estonia cited this exact legal basis when it detained the tanker then known as Kivala and escorted it to port. Judging by available reports, France appears to have used the same justification in detaining the Boracay.
And the Second Exception?
The second exception relates to the authority of coastal states within their Exclusive Economic Zone. Under Article 56(1) (b) (iii) of UNCLOS, a coastal state has jurisdiction to protect the marine environment. That means it can adopt environmental laws that foreign vessels are required to follow while in its EEZ. In March 2025, the E.U. updated its regulations accordingly. Under the new rules, any foreign vessel entering an E.U. member state’s EEZ must carry an insurance certificate recognized by the E.U. Ships without such coverage are considered in violation of environmental protection laws and are not allowed to operate in European EEZs. This presents a significant challenge for shadow fleet tankers, which are typically uninsured and unable to obtain coverage from E.U.-recognized providers due to sanctions.
Original Article: Arrr these inspections legal? Putin claims E.U. detentions of Russian ‘shadow fleet’ ships are ‘piracy.’ But what does the law say? — Meduza — Meduza