Rusty Russian tankers of 'shadow fleet' threaten EU, warns German Foreign Minister
Photo: German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbok (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" not only bypasses Western sanctions but also poses a threat to the European Union, states German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock for DW.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has criticized Russia’s use of aging vessels to transport oil and evade sanctions. One such vessel lost control near Germany's coast.
The foreign minister accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of “cynically employing a fleet of rusty tankers” to circumvent sanctions and knowingly risk tourism in the Baltic region.
Recently, Germany’s Central Command for Emergencies reported that the tanker Eventin, carrying nearly 100,000 tons of oil, began drifting due to technical malfunctions. The tanker, traveling from Russia’s Ust-Luga port, required assistance from three tugboats. No oil leaks or environmental threats were recorded, and the crew did not need evacuation.
The Eventin is reportedly part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet."
Damage to undersea cables in the Gulf of Finland
On December 25, undersea communication cables in the Gulf of Finland were damaged. Finnish authorities detained the tanker Eagle S, also believed to be part of Russia’s shadow fleet.
Investigators allege that the tanker damaged the cable with its anchor, which dragged along the seabed while crossing the Estlink 2 power line. The vessel was detained without its anchors, which were later found near the incident site.
