The European Union is stepping up pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet, according to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.
She said that on July 20, the tanker MV SOUTH STAR was detained during the EUNAVFOR MED IRINI operation after being suspected of sailing under a false flag in violation of international maritime law.
Kallas stressed that every illegal voyage helps sustain Russia’s war machine and that the EU is reinforcing its sanctions with concrete maritime enforcement measures.
In addition, EU member states this week approved an expanded mandate for EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, allowing the mission to verify the flags of vessels suspected of being part of Russia’s shadow fleet, using an approach similar to that already employed by EUNAVFOR MED IRINI.
According to Kallas, the decision further increases pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet and makes its operations more difficult.
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