Germany urges tougher action against Russia’s shadow fleet

Germany’s foreign minister has called for more decisive measures against what he described as Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, urging the European Union to step up sanctions and enforcement.

Johann Wadephul said there was “no time for hesitation” in countering hybrid threats attributed to the Kremlin, particularly in the Baltic Sea region, Caliber.Az reports via German media.

“Almost no other region of the EU is exposed to such a strong impact from hybrid actions organised by the Kremlin,” he said.

“There must be no delay – neither in protecting critical infrastructure nor in imposing sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet. Germany stands firmly with Latvia and the Baltic states.”

Wadephul noted that EU sanctions targeting vessels linked to the shadow fleet, as well as individuals associated with them, are already in place, but argued that their effectiveness needs to be significantly strengthened.

He also stressed the importance of closer information-sharing among Baltic Sea countries, saying cooperation was essential to monitoring suspicious maritime activity.

In addition, the foreign minister highlighted the need for the EU to be able to take action against vessels with unclear or disputed flag status, where the country of registration cannot be reliably established.

“We must now use all the instruments available under maritime law to stop such ships,” he added.

By Aghakazim Guliyev