Twelve Western countries have agreed on measures to “prevent and block” the so-called “shadow fleet” of Russian tanker ships.
The announcement was made by Estonian government officials, who stated that the goal of these actions is to prevent sanctions violations and increase the cost of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The agreement includes Germany, the UK, Poland, the Netherlands, the five Nordic countries, and the three Baltic states. On Tuesday, the leaders of a multinational military force composed of 10 countries, led by the UK, are expected to meet.
Western countries have imposed sanctions on a range of ships they claim are being used by Moscow to bypass restrictions on Russian oil exports and other cargo.
The operation of these “shadow ships” is not regulated by law, and they are not insured by Western companies.
“We are taking coordinated steps to disrupt Russia’s shadow fleet and prevent attempts to circumvent sanctions,” said Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal in a statement.
Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Finland, and Estonia will begin inspecting the insurance documents of ships under suspicion of passing through the English Channel, the Danish straits, and the Gulf of Finland, he added. /VOA
