European Union countries are considering seizing Russian oil tankers in the Baltic Sea as Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet” continues circumventing Western sanctions, according to EU diplomats and government officials cited by Politico Europe on Monday.
According to the report, European countries are now having behind-the-scenes discussions on the large-scale seizure of Moscow’s oil-exporting tankers in the Baltic Sea. They are also drafting new legislation to strengthen the legal basis for these efforts.
The proposal reportedly gained momentum following Finland’s seizure of a Russian-linked tanker in December, which was suspected of involvement in the sabotage of undersea infrastructure.
Proposals under consideration include legislation allowing the seizure of vessels on environmental or piracy grounds. Another proposed approach would involve targeting tankers that lack insurance from recognized operators.
Alexei Zhuravlev, deputy chairman of Russia’s parliamentary defense committee, warned that any attempt to seize Russian tankers would be considered an attack on Russian territory, even if the ships are registered under foreign flags.
He also said that Moscow could respond by boarding Western vessels in the Baltic Sea or deploying its navy to counter EU actions.
Ukraine has welcomed the initiative, with Andriy Yermak, head of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office, calling it “very important” in disrupting Russia’s war logistics.
The EU has previously sanctioned more than 70 ships suspected of transporting Russian oil, with 74 additional vessels under review.
