EUROPEAN UNION CRACKS DOWN ON SHADOWY FLEET AND SEIZURES
The European Union has intensified its efforts to pressure Iran, imposing sanctions on nine tankers and eight shipping companies linked to the country.
In a related development, satellite images and naval tracking data have confirmed that a Russian cargo ship, Mys Zhelaniya, delivered equipment to Libya, accompanied by a Russian warship. This move has raised concerns about Russia’s military presence in the region.
Meanwhile, European naval forces have intervened in ships carrying Russian oil and various products, highlighting the complexity of the situation.
MYS ZHELANIYA‘S MYSTERIOUS STOP IN TOBRUK
The Mys Zhelaniya, a Russian cargo ship, was spotted at the port of Tobruk on January 16, with reliable sources indicating that its cargo was offloaded. The vessel had departed from Baltiisk, a Russian naval base in Kaliningrad, under the protection of an Udaloy-class warship.
The Mys Zhelaniya had concealed its destination in public navigation systems, but satellite images and tracking data revealed it arrived at Tobruk. Notably, the ship was also seen off the coast of Portugal.
SPARTA IV‘S SUSPICIOUS JOURNEY
Another Russian ship, Sparta IV, which has been sanctioned, sailed alongside Mys Zhelaniya before the two vessels parted ways. Although Sparta IV claimed to be heading to Egypt, it is believed to be bound for Russia’s naval installation in Tartus, Syria.
The two ships departed from Baltiisk together under naval escort, suggesting a coordinated military operation.
ANALYSTS WEIGH IN
Experts suggest that the cargo delivered to Tobruk may have been intended for Russia’s “Africa Corps,” a military force that replaced Wagner Group and has been active in Libya since 2024, supporting Khalifa Haftar’s forces. Tobruk is controlled by Haftor’s forces and increasingly serves as a hub for Russian military supplies.
RUSSIAN REACTION
Russian Ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelsin, warned that tankers from the shadowy fleet may soon be accompanied by Russian government vessels. “What politicians in London are talking about is essentially a return to the era of pirate Edward Titch,” Kelsin said in an interview with Izvestia. “What they forget is that Britain has long ceased to be the ‘lord of the seas’ and its actions will not go unpunished.”
US INTERVENTION IN THE PERSIAN GULF
The US Department of Treasury announced that eight shipping companies, registered in multiple jurisdictions including India, Marshall Islands, and Seychelles, were largely established for the sole purpose of owning and operating vessels subject to sanctions.
Sanctions freeze all assets and interests in assets of entities designated within the jurisdiction of the United States and prohibit US individuals from conducting transactions with them. Any entity that owns more than 50% of shares in companies subject to sanctions will automatically be frozen under OFAC rules.
The OFAC warned that violations of US sanctions can result in severe consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
Original Article: Η Ευρώπη στο «κυνήγι» του σκιώδους στόλου και των κατασχέσεων πλοίων — Mononews (Greek) | View English Translation