EU forces board suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker in Mediterranean, Kallas says
The shadow fleet helps Russia get around Western sanctions on its oil industry by utilising complex ownership structures, flags of convenience and other tactics designed to mask the origin of its cargo.
EU forces intercepted a potentially Russian shadow fleet tanker in the Mediterranean, according to Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief. The operation, part of Operation Irini, saw troops seize the MV Midag vessel on Friday. Kallas confirmed via social media on Sunday that the ship was sailing under a false flag, a tactic used by Russia to evade Western sanctions on its oil industry.
Kallas stated that the EU will continue to disrupt Russia's shadow fleet both at sea and through diplomatic measures. She added that EU foreign ministers will approve new sanctions against Russia on Monday, targeting banks, buyers, and companies supporting the shadow fleet.
The shadow fleet employs complex ownership structures, flags of convenience, and other deceptive methods to mask the origin of its cargo and bypass Western sanctions. In August, Operation Irini conducted a similar boarding of the MV Sun tanker. Earlier in the month, they also boarded the MV Toa Payoh ship.
Originally launched in March 2020 to enforce the UN arms embargo on Libya, Operation Irini's mandate was recently renewed until March 2029. Its objectives now include safeguarding EU interests in the Mediterranean and contributing to peace and stability in Libya. A key part of this new mandate is to constrain Russia's shadow fleet, which uses the Mediterranean as a crucial transit and transfer area.
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