Moscow says it will respond to Danish restrictions on Russian oil shipping

Denmark has tightened inspections of tankers carrying Russian oil as they transit the Danish straits and receive services at anchorage areas, Russia’s ambassador to the country, Vladimir Barbin, said on February 5, stressing that freedom of navigation is protected under international law.

In comments to Russian media, Barbin warned that any attempts to restrict shipping would be met with a response from Moscow.

“Any efforts to limit it will be stopped by us. Russia has a broad range of measures to clearly persuade NATO countries to refrain from provocative actions in the Baltic Sea. Our arsenal includes more than just diplomatic protests,” he said.

The Danish straits serve as the main maritime corridor linking the Baltic Sea with the world’s oceans and are used by Russia to export oil from the ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk.

Danish maritime authorities have said the stricter monitoring of vessels at the Skagen Red anchorage area is intended to enhance environmental safety and protect seafarers.

By Tamilla Hasanova