Two EU naval operations will “hunt down” Russia’s “shadow fleet”
22 July 19:46
The tanker MV SOUTH STAR was seized in the Mediterranean Sea—it is suspected of sailing under a false flag. This is just the first instance of new EU pressure on Russia’s “shadow fleet.” This was stated by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security PolicyKaja Kallasin X, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
“We are stepping up pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet. On July 20, forces of Operation EUNAVFOR_MED IRINI seized the oil tanker MV SOUTH STAR, which is suspected of sailing under a false flag, in violation of international maritime law,” Kallas wrote.
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What is known about the seizure of the SOUTH STAR
On July 20, as part of the EU operation known as EUNAVFOR MED IRINI, the oil tanker MV SOUTH STAR was seized.
The vessel is suspected of sailing under a false flag, which is a violation of international maritime law.
“Every illegal voyage helps sustain Russia’s war machine. We are coordinating our sanctions with our actions at sea,” Kallas wrote.
New Mandate for Operation ATALANTA
Meanwhile, this week, EU member states authorized the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA operation to begin boarding vessels suspected of being part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” while verifying their flags—just as Operation IRINI does.
“This decision further tightens the noose,” Kallas added.
As a reminder, the EU has been systematically putting pressure on the Russian shadow fleet—oil tankers that help Russia circumvent Western sanctions—for over a year.
In June of this year, the bloc adopted another package of sanctions—specifically, against two individuals and 24 organizations linked to oil exports via the shadow fleet.
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