The European Union plans to detain tankers of the Russian 'shadow fleet' through the Baltic Sea
The Office of the President of Ukraine reported that the European Union is preparing legal mechanisms to detain tankers transporting oil through the Baltic Sea that belong to the 'shadow fleet' of Russia.
Our sanctions from last year may become mandatory
According to Article 110 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, at least 16 vessels without an official flag may be detained in the near future. According to EUObserver, the new 19th package of EU sanctions is expected to include an additional 120 oil tankers in the 'black list' of the Russian 'shadow fleet'. This will increase the total number of sanctioned vessels to 568.
Symbolic significance for Moscow
The use of international law mechanisms and the willingness of NATO countries to adhere to it send an important signal to the Kremlin. 'The use of international law mechanisms and the willingness of NATO countries to ensure its implementation is a key signal for the Kremlin: its attempts to bypass sanctions are failing,' he emphasized. Andrii Yermak also noted the need to strengthen sanctions pressure, as he believes that Moscow is already conducting a hybrid war against Europe.
The news that the European Union plans to detain tankers of the Russian 'shadow fleet' through the Baltic Sea is an important signal for NATO countries and Russia. The use of international law to combat violations and express support for Ukraine in the context of the hybrid war from Moscow is crucial.