Estonia Refrains from Detaining Russia’s Tankers in Baltic Sea
Estonia, a NATO member state located in the northernmost part of the Baltic Sea, has decided to refrain from detaining Russia‘s “shadow fleet” vessels in the region. This decision was made after an unsuccessful attempt to board a Russian vessel last year, which led to concerns about military escalation.
According to Estonia‘s Navy Commander Ivo Vark, the risk of military escalation is too high if they were to detain Russian tankers and other ships sanctioned by the West. “The risk of military escalation is just too high,” Vark said in an interview with Reuters.
Russia’s Military Presence in the Gulf of Finland
Since Estonia‘s failed attempt to stop a Russian oil tanker, Moscow has increased its military presence in the Gulf of Finland. According to Vark, Russia has deployed two or three armed military vessels permanently in the area, and also sent more ships elsewhere in the Baltic Sea along the lanes used by tankers carrying Russian oil.
“The Russian military presence here in the Gulf of Finland has become much, much more evident,” Vark said. This increased presence is likely a response to Estonia‘s attempts to enforce Western sanctions against Russia.
Estonia’s Policy on Detaining Russian Tankers
Estonia will only intervene if there is imminent danger, such as damage to underwater infrastructure or oil spills. In the case of idle tankers awaiting their turn to enter a nearby Russian port and load oil, Estonia will not take action unless there is a clear threat.
“Obviously in the Atlantic Ocean and also the North Sea there’s very little Russian presence so it gives you a lot more time and more liberty to act upon those vessels as the risk for military engagement and escalation is much lower,” Vark said.
Tankers Awaiting Oil Cargo
The number of tankers at the Vaindloo Anchorage in Estonia‘s exclusive economic zone has tripled to around 30-40 this week due to recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian ports disrupting their loading schedule. The Kremlin views sanctions as a malign attempt to crush its economy and claims that Russia‘s ships have the right to free passage in the Baltic Sea.
Russia is ready to respond to any attempt to stop them, according to Vark. “The Kremlin says its ships have the right to free passage in the Baltic Sea and that Russia is ready to respond to any attempt to stop them,” he said.
In conclusion, Estonia‘s decision not to detain Russian tankers in the Baltic Sea highlights the complexities of enforcing Western sanctions against Russia. The situation remains tense, with both sides refusing to back down.
Original Article: Estonia says detaining Russia’s tankers in Baltic Sea is too risky — Kfgo