August M
Russia’s covert tankers may pose hybrid warfare threat, EU warns
Russia’s covert tankers may pose hybrid warfare threat, EU warns
EU targets Russia’s shadow fleet operations
Russia has been repeatedly accused of using a so-called “shadow fleet” to transport oil and gas despite the sanctions imposed after its invasion of Ukraine, according to Digi24.ro.
According to Kyiv Post, these ships often operate under foreign or unclear flags to avoid detection.
The European Union is now drafting new rules to allow member states to stop and inspect such vessels in EU waters. The move comes amid growing concern over how Moscow uses these tankers to bypass international restrictions.
Diplomatic push for stronger maritime controls
Documents obtained by Politico and Reuters reveal that the EU’s diplomatic service, the European External Action Service (EEAS), is leading the push for tighter maritime inspections, reports the Kyiv Post.
Cracking down on sanctions evasion and safety risks
The EEAS proposal also emphasizes that the shadow fleet poses more than just an economic threat.
According to Digi24.ro, the plan addresses environmental hazards and navigational safety concerns linked to aging or unregulated oil tankers.
By enforcing stricter boarding rights, EU states hope to curb both sanctions evasion and the risks posed by unmonitored ships passing through European waters.
False flag registrations under scrutiny
A key part of Russia’s evasion strategy involves registering ships in countries with limited oversight. The Kyiv Post reports that the EU is targeting these so-called false flag operations by working with ship registries to tighten controls.
Panama, often cited as a flag-of-convenience hub, has already agreed to deregister EU-sanctioned vessels and limit new registrations for tankers over 15 years old, according to Politico.
Shadow fleet linked to possible hybrid warfare
Beyond sanctions, the shadow fleet may also play a role in Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics.Digi24 notes that the EEAS flagged concerns over tankers possibly being used as drone launch platforms.
Unidentified drones have been observed over Germany and Denmark, reportedly originating from tankers offshore. These incidents have raised security alarms across Europe.
France acts, EU prepares wider enforcement
Earlier this month, French authorities arrested two crew members from a suspected Russian-linked tanker. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron declared that the EU would work to “prevent suspicious ships” from entering European waters
As reported by Digi24.ro.
This is one of several enforcement actions being considered as Brussels moves to turn its draft proposals into binding regulations.
This article is made and published by auk1, which may have used AI in the preparation
