Ukrainian President Reports on Russia’s Shadow Fleet Tanker Count
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reported that Russia has more than 500 tankers in its shadow fleet operating under the flags of other countries, citing Ukrainian intelligence. According to Zelenskyy, these tankers need to be stopped completely, as this would have a significant impact on energy trade and European security.
Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of continuing sanctions against the Russian shadow fleet, citing France’s detention of a Russian tanker on September 30 as an example. “The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reported that the tanker Boracay set off from Russia‘s Primorsk,” he explained. “The tanker was stopped. Russian intelligence officers were on board. Importantly, the captain was a Chinese citizen. I think this is standard practice for the Russian Federation.”
Sanctions and Inspections
Denmark has announced stricter inspections of oil tankers to stop Russia‘s shadow fleet. Estonia stressed that the shadow fleet’s activity in the Baltic Sea is becoming increasingly dangerous, and limiting it would significantly improve regional security. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a stronger response to the shadow fleet in European waters.
France detained one of the tankers off its Atlantic coast; the vessel eventually continued on its route. The European Union plans to add three companies to its sanctions list for issuing false documentation regarding the flag of certain countries to several Russian shadow-fleet tankers.
The Need for International Cooperation
Zelenskyy stressed that stopping the shadow fleet requires international cooperation and coordination. “The shadow fleet – that’s how it works,” he explained. “Even when a vessel is stopped, inspected, the captain summoned to court and removed from the ship, it doesn’t mean that the oil won’t continue on its route.” This highlights the ongoing challenges faced by nations working together to combat this issue.
Original Article: Zelenskyy: Russia has over 500 shadow fleet tankers, they need to be completely stopped — Ukrainska Pravda