EU Discusses Seizure of Vessels Belonging to Russia's 'Shadow Fleet' - Kallas

EU countries are discussing the potential seizure of tankers that Brussels claims are part of Russia's 'shadow fleet'. The European Commission has appointed a special coordinator on this issue, stated EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.

“Today, ministers discussed tougher responses, including the expansion of authority to detain shadow fleet vessels. I have also appointed a special representative to coordinate these measures, gathering best practices from member states and acting more swiftly on these issues to further reduce Russian military assets. We need a tougher EU approach in combating the shadow fleet and then in accountability,” she said.

Russia has repeatedly stated that the West has made a serious error by refusing to purchase energy resources from Russia, which will lead to a new, stronger dependency due to higher prices. Moscow insists that those who refuse to buy energy resources will still purchase them through intermediaries at higher prices and will continue to buy Russian coal, oil, and gas.