EU Expands the Mandate of Operation IRINI
Operation IRINI, initially launched by the European Union in 2020 under a UN mandate to enforce the arms embargo on Libya, has now been granted broader powers. As of June 1, 2025, the mission can conduct physical inspections of vessels suspected of violating sanctions. That same day, the EU carried out its first-ever inspection of the tanker MV Oneiroi in international waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Ukraine has welcomed this development.
In 2025, the scope of IRINI was widened to include monitoring ships that may be circumventing sanctions, particularly those transporting Russian oil. Prior to this expansion, the mission’s activities were limited to surveillance, radio checks, and inspections that required the captain’s consent.
First Inspection of the Tanker MV Oneiroi
The first inspection of the MV Oneiroi took place on June 1, 2025, when an inspection team boarded the vessel in international waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The MV Oneiroi is subject to sanctions imposed by both the European Union and Ukraine. The inspection was prompted by suspicions that the ship was using a false flag and may have been involved in transporting Russian oil.
Russia’s so-called shadow fleet has been under scrutiny since 2023. Since the start of 2025, Sweden has detained four vessels linked to this fleet, and one of them may be handed over to Ukraine.
Vladyslav Vlasiuk, an advisor to the Office of the President of Ukraine, stated: 'We have long expected more decisive and clearer action from the EU in this direction, as the activities of the Russian shadow fleet have been documented since 2023.'
The expanded mandate of Operation IRINI marks a significant step in combating sanctions violations, especially given the growing threat posed by Russia’s shadow fleet. Enhanced maritime oversight could substantially limit Russia’s economic capabilities and contribute to greater stability in the Mediterranean. Ukraine’s positive response underscores the importance of international cooperation in enforcing sanctions to achieve shared regional goals.
The recent inspection of the MV Oneiroi highlights the EU's commitment to enforcing sanctions against Russian oil shipments. As the Union prepares to introduce a new sanctions package aimed at further targeting the Russian shadow fleet, understanding the implications of these measures becomes crucial. For more insights on the upcoming sanctions and their potential impact on the oil market, see our detailed coverage regarding the latest sanctions initiatives.