On July 20, the oil tanker MV South Star, suspected of operating under a false flag, was apprehended by the EUNAVFOR MED IRINI operation in the Mediterranean. This action comes as EU officials, including Kalas, emphasize the need to ramp up pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet, which supports the country’s military activities.
Kalas stated, “Each illegal voyage aids in sustaining Russia’s war machine. We are aligning our sanctions with maritime actions.” She also noted that this week, EU nations have sanctioned similar operations in the Atlantic Ocean under EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, which targets vessels believed to be linked to the Russian shadow fleet.
“This decision further tightens the nets,” she added, highlighting the coordinated efforts against illicit maritime activities.
Context
- Following initial sanctions against Russia, difficulties arose for Russian oil producers in securing tankers for transportation, according to Reuters. Western media reported that Russia has sought to bypass these sanctions by reflagging its oil tankers registered in Liberia and the Marshall Islands to Gabon, while also secretly transferring oil from sanctioned tankers to other vessels.
- Vessels from the shadow fleet, which transport oil to evade sanctions, are increasingly being used for reconnaissance and sabotage in European waters, as reported by CNN in December 2025.
- By January 2026, shadow fleet vessels began to be arrested, expelled from waters, and seized globally.
