Twelve European Nations Unite to Target Russia’s 'Shadow Fleet'

A coalition of Baltic, Nordic, and Western European countries announces coordinated measures to disrupt unauthorized Russian shipping operations in response to sanctions violations.

• The coalition, including Germany, the UK, and Nordic and Baltic states, aims to counter Russian ships transporting sanctioned oil, military goods, and stolen Ukrainian grain.
• The initiative was announced during a Joint Expeditionary Force meeting in Tallinn, Estonia, and seeks to limit Russian energy exports funding the war in Ukraine.
• Participating nations will enhance inspections of insurance documents and enforce stricter maritime controls in key waterways like the North Sea and Baltic Sea.
• Concerns have been raised about the environmental and safety risks posed by aging and uninsured vessels in Russia’s 'shadow fleet.'
• The EU has already banned 52 additional Russian ships from entering its ports as part of its 15th sanctions package targeting violations of oil embargoes.

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