French Military Arrests 2 Crew Members on Suspected Russian Shadow Fleet Vessel Boracay
The French military has arrested two crew members, including the captain and his deputy, on a suspected Russian shadow fleet vessel named Boracay for allegedly refusing to obey a summons and failing to justify the ship’s nationality. According to the prosecutor’s office, the arrests were made in connection with an ongoing investigation into the ship’s activities.
The arrests come as tensions between Russia and Europe continue to escalate over concerns about Russian aggression in the region. The European Union has been grappling with the issue of shadow fleet vessels operating in its waters, and several member states have taken steps to counter the perceived threat.
EU Leaders Discuss Drone Incursions and Shadow Fleet
In a related development, discussions between EU leaders at a summit in Copenhagen earlier this month were dominated by concerns about Russia’s drone incursions against EU countries. The European Commission has proposed creating a “drone wall” on its eastern frontier to respond to the sightings, which have been increasing in frequency.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen noted that countries are “facing lots of problems with the shadow fleet in the Baltic Sea,” but declined to comment further on specific investigations. The issue has become increasingly contentious as Russia’s military presence in the region grows.
French President Macron Addresses Situation
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the situation during a press conference at the summit, stating that “a very important operation” was ongoing in relation to the Boracay, a suspected Russian shadow fleet vessel. He noted that there were “very important offenses committed by the crew which justify the legal proceedings.” Macron refrained from linking the ship to the drone sightings, but emphasized the need for international cooperation to address the growing threat posed by Russia’s military activities in the region.
Kremlin Denies Knowledge of Suspected Russian Shadow Fleet Vessel
The Kremlin has denied any knowledge about the Boracay, a ship suspected of belonging to the Russian shadow fleet off the coast of France. According to the Guardian, a spokesperson for the Russian government stated that they had no information about the vessel or its alleged activities.
As the situation continues to unfold, international tensions are likely to remain high as countries grapple with the implications of Russia’s growing military presence in the region.
Original Article: French military arrests 2 crew on suspected Russian shadow fleet vessel — Politico