Russia on Wednesday condemned an EU decision to authorize military vessels in the Mediterranean to stop and inspect foreign ships suspected of being part of a "shadow fleet" transporting Russian oil, and said it would take all necessary legal and other measures to protect them.
EU Expands Operation IRINI Mandate
The EU said on Monday it had expanded the mandate of Operation IRINI, its naval mission in the Mediterranean that was originally set up to enforce a UN arms embargo on Libya. The expanded mandate allows EU warships to stop, inspect, and potentially seize vessels suspected of transporting Russian oil in violation of sanctions.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said this posed a threat to maritime security and accused the EU of intimidating civilian vessels. She argued that there was no such thing in international law as a "shadow fleet," and this term was a "political fabrication" by the EU.
Russia's Response
"The European Union's deployment of ships from the IRINI naval operation deployed in the Mediterranean to inspect or seize, as they now say, vessels carrying oil products would constitute a flagrant violation of international law," Zakharova told a press briefing.
"We reserve the right to use the full arsenal of political, legal, and other instruments at our disposal to protect maritime security and the legitimate interests of shippers and shipowners," she added.
The Russian official emphasized that Moscow would take all necessary measures to safeguard its vessels and interests in the region, hinting at potential retaliatory actions if the EU proceeds with the plan.
Background on Shadow Fleet
The term "shadow fleet" refers to vessels that are allegedly used by Russia to circumvent international sanctions imposed after its invasion of Ukraine. These ships are often older, poorly insured, and operate under opaque ownership structures to transport Russian oil and other goods.
The EU and other Western nations have been seeking ways to tighten enforcement of sanctions and prevent Russia from generating revenue through oil exports. The expanded mandate of Operation IRINI is part of these efforts.
However, Russia maintains that these actions are illegal under international law, as they interfere with freedom of navigation and the sovereign rights of states. The standoff highlights the escalating tensions between Russia and the EU over the conflict in Ukraine and its economic repercussions.
