**EU Targets Russia’s Shadow Fleet, and Moscow Responds with Force**
The Baltic Sea has become a hotbed of tension as European forces took swift action against an oil tanker from Russia’s notorious shadow fleet. The move was in response to the EU’s latest sanctions package, which directly targets these vessels for transporting Russian oil in violation of price caps.
**A New Wave of Sanctions**
The 17th EU sanctions package has added 149 vessels to the blacklist, making it harder for them to access EU ports and services, including insurance, repairs, and refueling. Among them are 25 ships recently tracked in the Baltic and North Sea, which pose serious environmental and security concerns due to their poor condition.
**A Threat to Security and Environment**
European officials warn that these ships not only risk polluting the Baltic Sea but also threaten vital undersea cables and energy infrastructure. In the past, incidents involving torn cables have highlighted the risks associated with these vessels.
**Russia’s Desperate Measures**
In response to the EU’s actions, Russian forces rapidly escalated tensions by deploying a fighter jet to intimidate NATO ships from boarding the oil tanker, Jaguar. The incident highlights how far Russia is willing to go to protect its economic lifelines, even risking direct confrontation with NATO forces.
**A Clear Message from Europe**
The enforcement of new sanctions began immediately, and it’s clear that Europe will not tolerate any attempts to circumvent them. With additional shadow fleet vessels likely to be sanctioned and better-armed naval patrols preparing future interception missions, Russia’s strategy of hiding its oil trade in plain sight is becoming increasingly untenable.
**The Jaguar Escapes… for Now**
While the Jaguar may have escaped this time, the message from Europe is clear: sanctions will not go unenforced. The incident serves as a reminder that Russia is desperate to protect its oil trade and is willing to take higher risks to do so.
**A New Era of Enforcement**
The EU’s resolve to implement sanctions is unwavering, and it’s likely that more vessels will be added to the blacklist in the coming days. As tensions rise, one thing is certain: Russia’s strategy of relying on its shadow fleet to export crude oil will soon become increasingly untenable.
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