The EU intensifies its pressure on Russia’s “shadow fleet.” In the Mediterranean Sea, a tanker suspected of violating international law was inspected.
Tanker / © Kaja Kallas
The European Union is strengthening its efforts against the Russian “shadow fleet,” which is used to circumvent sanctions and export oil.
This was announced by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
According to her, on July 20, forces from the EUNAVFOR MED IRINI naval operation boarded the oil tanker MV SOUTH STAR, suspected of sailing under a false flag in violation of international maritime law.
“We are increasing the pressure on Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’. The oil tanker MV SOUTH STAR, suspected of sailing under a false flag in violation of international maritime law, was inspected by the IRINI operation forces to verify its flag,” Kallas stated.
She emphasized that every illegal oil shipment helps finance Russia’s war machine.
“Every illicit voyage helps fuel Russia’s war machine. We are reinforcing sanctions with real actions at sea,” the head of European diplomacy stressed.
According to Kallas, this week, EU member states granted another naval mission, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, the mandate to conduct inspections of vessels that may belong to Russia’s “shadow fleet.”
The new powers will allow the mission to carry out inspections of such vessels using a procedure similar to the one already employed by the IRINI operation.
Brussels believes this decision will further complicate the operations of vessels that Russia uses to bypass international oil export sanctions.
Previously, it was reported that the EU is openly delaying sanctions against the Kremlin. Negotiations on the 21st sanctions package have been prolonged due to resistance from Hungary, Greece, and Austria.
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