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European Union naval missions will begin inspecting vessels suspected of belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet as part of broader efforts to tighten sanctions enforcement and curb Moscow’s ability to finance its war against Ukraine, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said, UATV English reports.
In a post on X, Kallas said forces from the EU’s Operation IRINI boarded the oil tanker MV SOUTH STAR on July 20 to verify its flag after the vessel was suspected of sailing under a false flag in violation of international maritime law.
“Every illegal voyage helps sustain Russia’s war machine,” Kallas said, adding that the EU is “aligning our sanctions with actions at sea.”
She also announced that EU member states have authorized Operation ATALANTA to begin boarding suspected Russian shadow fleet vessels to verify their flags, expanding the inspection powers already exercised under Operation IRINI.
“This decision tightens the net even further,” Kallas said.
The move comes as EU member states seek to strengthen enforcement against Russia’s sanctions evasion network and increase pressure on the shadow fleet used to transport Russian oil and other cargoes outside international restrictions.
The announcement coincides with negotiations in Brussels on the European Union’s 21st sanctions package against Russia, which includes additional measures targeting the shadow fleet and other channels used to circumvent existing sanctions.
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