Countering attacks and reasserting control
Russia is intensifying efforts to safeguard its vital maritime oil and gas exports amid a wave of attacks and heightened international scrutiny on its so-called “shadow fleet.” Nikolai Patrushev, a longtime confidant of President Vladimir Putin and chairman of the Russian Maritime Board, recently outlined aggressive countermeasures in an interview with the Kommersant newspaper. These include the possible deployment of armed naval patrols, onboard defensive systems, and dedicated protection teams for Russian-flagged vessels.
The shadow fleet, a network of tankers and other vessels often operating under foreign flags with deceptive practices such as GPS manipulation, has been central to Russia’s strategy for evading Western sanctions since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. These ships have enabled continued exports of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), sustaining government revenues critical to funding military operations.
Broader geopolitical ripples and international responses
Patrushev’s remarks extend beyond immediate maritime security, touching on intertwined global conflicts. He criticized the ongoing U.S.-led military operations against Iran, referred to in some contexts as Operation Epic Fury, as a “tragedy” without justification, arguing it disrupts global energy markets and maritime logistics with unpredictable humanitarian and economic fallout.
While surging oil prices have temporarily boosted Russia’s export revenues by up to $150 million daily, Patrushev cautioned that these gains are fleeting and risk alienating longstanding Middle Eastern partners. The Kremlin has shared targeting intelligence with Iran and offered mediation, reflecting a balance amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s promises of naval escorts for tankers navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
On the Western side, efforts to constrain the shadow fleet
Ukraine has conducted several strikes against Russian-flagged vessels, including a claimed attack on the oil tanker Qendil in the Mediterranean in December 2025 and multiple incidents in the Black Sea targeting both shadow fleet vessels and Russian warships using naval drones. A particularly alarming episode occurred earlier this month when the Russian-flagged LNG tanker Arctic Metagaz caught fire and was damaged – Russia attributes the incident to Ukrainian sea drones launched from Libya, labeling it an act of international terrorism.
In response, Moscow is exploring a multifaceted defence strategy: real-time monitoring of maritime traffic, stricter inspections of incoming foreign vessels, and enhanced export controls to prioritize national interests. Patrushev emphasized shifting away from reliance on “convenient flags” and dubious evasion tactics toward building a robust national maritime capability. This includes developing domestic shipbuilding, repair facilities, port infrastructure, and insurance mechanisms. More Russian vessels are now openly flying the national flag as Western authorities pressure flag states to deny registry to suspected shadow fleet ships.
Original Article: Russia prepares to arm its shadow fleet — Eualive