**EU and Germany Take Tougher Stance Against Russia’s “Shadow Fleet”**
The European Union and Germany are cracking down on Russia’s covert shipping operations, known as the “shadow fleet.” This move comes after a series of suspected sabotage incidents in the Baltic Sea region. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced stronger surveillance and additional sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet.
**Increased Surveillance and Sanctions**
Wadephul stated that the threat from Russia has intensified over recent months, with severed cables, disrupted signals, and suspicious vessels being a serious concern for Germany and its allies. He emphasized that the EU will impose fresh sanctions on vessels enabling Russia to bypass Western restrictions. These sanctions are aimed at targeting Russia’s ability to transport oil while evading sanctions.
**The Shadow Fleet: A Direct Security Threat**
The shadow fleet consists of oil tankers and other cargo ships used by Russia to circumvent Western sanctions, particularly in transporting oil. Wadephul described this fleet as a “direct security threat.” The EU’s 17th package of sanctions against Russia, agreed upon on May 14, targets the shadow fleet of oil tankers.
**EU Officials Cautious About Effectiveness**
While European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the move, calling it a way to keep pressure high on the Kremlin, some critics outside the EU bubble view it as an incremental step that fails to match the urgency of the moment. Even EU officials acknowledge that the package was watered down during negotiations.
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