Russia’s “Ghost Fleet” Just Got a Lot Less Secret

For a long time, Russia’s oil tankers sailed quietly across the oceans.

These ships had no clear ties to Moscow. Many were old and unflagged.

Their owners were hidden behind complicated paperwork. But last week, something changed.

On May 13, a tanker named Jaguar came under scrutiny near Estonia, according to Ziare. Estonian military ships approached to inspect it.

The vessel had already been sanctioned by the UK. That’s when something unusual happened.

A Russian Su-35 fighter jet flew past the ship. It entered Estonian airspace. It looked like a warning.

Estonia’s military eventually escorted the tanker out of their waters. But the message was clear. Russia was now willing to use military aircraft to protect these ships.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called it a turning point. He said this was the first time Russia had openly connected itself to the so-called ghost fleet.

Many believe this is a big shift in Kremlin strategy. Ed Arnold, a defense analyst in the UK, said this action marks a new level of risk.

The ghost fleet is not just a trade workaround anymore. It’s now a potential military flashpoint.

The fleet includes hundreds of tankers. Most are old and poorly maintained. Some have caused pollution.

Others may have damaged underwater cables in the Baltic Sea. Russia has denied involvement in any of that.

The goal of the fleet is to move Russian oil while avoiding Western sanctions.

That makes the ships a target for more sanctions. But now, they seem to have Russian air cover.

Footage from the Jaguar shows Estonian forces calling the ship to change course.

NATO confirmed that Portuguese F-16 jets were sent to watch the Russian fighter.

These planes are part of NATO’s presence in the region since the war in Ukraine began.

Estonia has stepped up inspections in the Baltic. Over 450 checks have been done since June.

Officials say this latest incident shows the pressure is working. And they plan to keep it up.