Russia Considers Sending Armed Naval Patrols to Protect ‘Shadow Fleet’
Russia is considering sending armed naval patrols to protect its ships following attacks on its “shadow fleet” of oil tankers. Nikolai Patrushev, a longtime associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin and head of the Russian Maritime Board, said Moscow could deploy “mobile firing groups” to protect Russian-flagged tankers as well as “special means of defense” on board the ships.
The Kremlin has accused Ukraine of setting ablaze the Russian-flagged Arctic Metagaz liquefied natural gas tanker in an attack involving unmanned sea drones off Libya earlier this month. Kyiv has claimed responsibility for attacks on several vessels, including the Qendil oil tanker in the Mediterranean and multiple ships in the Black Sea.
Patrushev’s comments reflect Russia‘s determination to push back against suspected Ukrainian attacks on its ships. The “shadow fleet” refers to Moscow’s use of vessels to evade western sanctions since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The fleet’s vessels have historically sailed under third-country flags and used other means of deception such as
Mobile Firing Groups and Special Means of Defense
Patrushev said Russia would inspect ships entering its ports from abroad and take steps to increase control over export cargoes “in the interests of Russia.” Moscow monitors all maritime shipments in real-time to prevent attacks and could deploy its navy to step up protections for the civilian vessels, Patrushev said.
“We note all the more often that political, diplomatic, and legal measures often do not manage to stop the western campaign against Russian shipping,” he said. “In the case that new threats at sea appear from European countries, we will develop new measures.”
Patrushev’s comments imply that Russia would take the shadow fleet under its overt control.
Historical Context
The shadow fleet has been a key component of Moscow’s efforts to evade western sanctions since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The fleet’s vessels have historically sailed under third-country flags and used other means of deception such as
International Reactions
International reactions to Russia‘s potential deployment of armed naval patrols are still unfolding. Western countries, including the United States and European Union member states, have condemned Russian aggression in Ukraine and imposed sanctions on Moscow.
Original Article: Russia considers sending armed naval patrols to protect ‘shadow fleet’ — Ft