**Russia Detains Oil Tanker Leaving Estonian Port**
In a move that has sparked concerns about Russia’s intentions in the region, Russian authorities on May 18 detained an oil tanker sailing from the Estonian port of Sillamae. The incident comes just three days after a reported violation of NATO airspace by a Russian fighter jet.
According to Estonia’s Foreign Ministry, the oil tanker Green Admire was a Greek-owned vessel flying under a Liberian flag. It had departed from Estonia following a previously agreed-upon route that took it through Russian territorial waters. The ministry stressed that this route was chosen for its maritime safety and not strictly along national boundaries.
However, this incident has raised concerns about Russia’s behavior in the region. “Today’s incident shows that Russia continues to behave unpredictably,” said Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. This is not an isolated incident; Baltic nations have sounded the alarm about Russia’s increasing aggression in the Baltic Sea, including suspected acts of sabotage.
**A Pattern of Aggression**
Russia’s military behavior in the region has been deemed increasingly threatening by Latvia’s Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD). The report cited Russia’s aggressive tactics, such as unauthorized airspace incursions and close encounters with NATO ships and aircraft. Just days ago, a Russian military jet violated NATO airspace after the Estonian Navy tried to stop the Jaguar, a tanker believed to belong to Moscow’s shadow fleet.
The “shadow fleet” of oil vessels consists of aging tankers used to circumvent sanctions imposed by the EU, U.K., and U.S. This incident is not an isolated one; on April 11, the Estonian Navy for the first time detained an oil tanker belonging to the shadow fleet.
**Concerns and Consequences**
The detention of this oil tanker has led Estonia to take precautions to ensure maritime safety in its territorial waters. The country plans to redirect traffic to and from the Sillamae port exclusively through its own territorial waters as a precautionary measure. The ministry has also informed NATO allies of the incident.
This incident serves as a reminder that Russia’s actions have consequences, not just for Estonia but for the entire region. As tensions rise, it is essential that we stay vigilant and report on these developments accurately and without compromise.
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