West’s Efforts to Counter Russia’s Shadow Fleet are ‘Imitation’ – Maritime Expert
The West’s efforts to counter Russia‘s shadow fleet have been deemed “imitation” by a Ukrainian expert, who claims that while some countries have detained vessels sailing under false flags or no flag at all, such isolated detentions are not an achievement but an obligation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Andrii Klymenko, editor-in-chief of BlackSeaNews and a prominent maritime expert, made this statement at the fifth Forum of the Crimea Platform’s Expert Network in Kyiv. According to Klymenko, Western efforts to counter the shadow fleet are not having a significant impact, as most detentions typically end with a fine for the captain, a suspended sentence, and the vessel’s release.
Detention Statistics Reveal Lack of Effectiveness
Despite President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urging allies for nearly a year to amend their national legislation, the detentions have not resulted in any significant changes. In fact, figures show a steady monthly increase in Russian oil shipments, with 4 million metric tons shipped from Baltic ports in February 2026, 6 million tons transported in April, and an all-time record of over 8.5 million metric tons in June.
Klymenko pointed out that the figures reveal a significant increase in Russian oil exports, despite Western sanctions targeting Russian energy revenues. He noted that four million metric tons were shipped from Baltic ports in February, 6 million tons transported in April, and an all-time record of over 8.5 million metric tons in June.
Türkiye’s Role in Russia’s Shadow Fleet
Klymenko also highlighted Turkey’s role as the second-largest recipient of Russian oil and oil products by sea, purchasing 27 million metric tons in 2025. He stressed that this demonstrates Turkey is not a friend or ally of Ukraine but rather an ally of Russia.
Kremlin Chief’s War Strategy
The expert recalled that in April 2026, nearly half of Russian crude oil and oil products exports transited through the Baltic Sea, roughly 27 per cent through the Far East, and 19 per cent through the Black Sea. Klymenko stressed that the Kremlin chief, Vladimir Putin, will continue his war until Russia runs out of its own funds.
Military Defeat as the Only Solution
Klymenko highlighted that only a military defeat of the modern Russian empire can make the region safe, at least for a time. He emphasized that this is the only way to ensure a lasting peace in the region.
The West’s efforts to counter Russia‘s shadow fleet have been deemed “imitation” by a Ukrainian expert, who claims that while some countries have detained vessels sailing under false flags or no flag at all, such isolated detentions are not an achievement but an obligation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Original Article: West’s efforts to counter Russia’s shadow fleet are ‘imitation’ – maritime expert ➜ ZMINA — Zmina