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EU Set to Tighten the Net on Russia’s Shadow Fleet and Disrupt War Financing
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![Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk]( "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
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The European Union is considering new sanctions to target entities enabling Russia’s “shadow fleet” of tankers, which are used to circumvent Western sanctions and finance Moscow’s war in Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on November 20.
EU foreign ministers are set to meet in Brussels to discuss measures aimed at cracking down on these ships, including increased engagement with the countries registering them.
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Top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas emphasized the importance of addressing the shadow fleet, which has significantly assisted Russian revenues to finance war against Ukraine.
Poland has proposed new regulations and coordination, particularly regarding the legalities of boarding such vessels. The EU has already seen success in convincing many flag states to de-register these ships, according to Bloomberg.
Ministers will also discuss funding options for Ukraine. Belgium has raised concerns over using frozen Russian central bank assets to back loans, while the European Commission has proposed alternative measures, including a $103 billion grant. These discussions come as the EU rushes to finalize a legal framework before Ukraine runs out of funds in March, Bloomberg stated.
Additionally, the ministers are expected to address the rise in hybrid attacks across Europe, with Poland blaming Russia for recent sabotage on their railway. These include drone incursions and arson attacks, which are seen as part of Russia’s broader strategy to destabilize the region and disrupt EU support for Ukraine.
Previously, it was reported that the Danish government has announced stricter environmental supervision of ships anchoring at Skagen Red—one of the largest anchorages in the Nordic region and a key gateway to and from the Baltic Sea.
According to Denmark, the move comes amid increased activity by older vessels, including tankers transporting sanctioned Russian oil through Danish waters. Officials say these ships pose heightened risks to maritime safety and the marine environment.
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-e027084132fee1ae6b313d8b1d5dfc34.jpg "SBU Reportedly Strikes Russian Oil Platforms for the Second Time This Week in the Caspian Sea")
