Germany sets its sights on Russia's shadow fleet

On September 1, Germany publicly blamed Russia for a failed drone attack on Leipzig Airport and announced stricter measures against Russia's so-called Russian shadow fleet. These vessels are often aging, poorly maintained oil tankers with unclear ownership, used by Russia to bypass sanctions. However, detaining these ships is challenging due to international maritime law protecting commercial shipping freedom, and some are linked to hybrid activities like sabotage and espionage.

Germany has lagged in addressing this issue, according to Green Party spokesperson Sara Nanni, who claims Russia finances its war against Ukraine and aggression toward Europe through its shadow fleet. Nanni argues that action against the fleet is necessary to persuade Russia to return to negotiations. Finland, the UK, France, and Sweden have taken a tougher stance, detaining suspicious vessels in their waters for inspection.

Sweden has specifically targeted tankers suspected of belonging to the shadow fleet, which has deterred laden tankers from entering Swedish waters.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed that those responsible for hybrid attacks would be held accountable. However, security experts warn that inspecting Russian vessels carries risks, such as Russian warships escorting them or armed crews with ties to Russian mercenary groups. Estonia learned this lesson in May 2025 when an oil tanker ignored Estonian authorities and Russia responded with a fighter jet scramble.

Pawlak cautions that such operations must consider these risks, especially in the Baltic Sea where Russia has more options for intervention.