More than 10 EU nations to step up fight against Russia's shadow fleet
Photo: More than 10 European countries have agreed to step up the fight against Russia's shadow fleet (Getty Images)
At a meeting on June 19, a group of European countries with access to the sea agreed to take further measures to counter Russia's shadow fleet, according to a joint statement of these countries.
Reportedly, representatives of 12 European Union countries (the Baltic States, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Finland, France, and Sweden), as well as the United Kingdom and Iceland, called for "joint and coordinated action to effectively address Russian attempts to circumvent international sanctions."
"Today, we have agreed to further strengthen our cooperation and ensure a joint and coordinated approach by our national authorities to address Russia's shadow fleet," the statement says.
In particular, a group of European states plans to develop guidelines "to promote responsible behaviour at sea, strengthen compliance with international law, and ensure transparency across maritime operations".
"If vessels fail to fly a valid flag in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, we will take appropriate action within international law," the statement emphasizes.
Sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet
Recently, the UK government introduced a new package of sanctions targeting Russia. The economic restrictions focus on the so-called shadow fleet and organizations that support Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
According to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, as of last month, Russia's shadow fleet included up to 1,000 mainly outdated vessels (with a total deadweight of over 100 million tons) used to export oil and petroleum products.
At the end of May, the European Union also approved its 17th package of sanctions against Russia. The new measures targeted 189 vessels from third countries that are part of Russia's shadow fleet and are responsible for transporting Russian oil.
In addition, Australia struck Russia's shadow fleet for the first time yesterday, imposing sanctions on dozens of tankers that have been funding the war.
