Poland has called on Norway to play a greater role in deterring Russia’s “shadow fleet.”
This was stated at a press conference by Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski.
During the event, the foreign ministers of Poland and Norway expressed support for warring Ukraine, stressed the importance of combating the Russian “shadow fleet” and the threats it poses to the security of the region and the ecosystem of the Baltic Sea.
“I call on Norway to play a greater role in deterring the so-called shadow fleet. These are not shadows – this is a fleet of old ships that pose a real threat to the Baltic Sea,” Sikorski emphasized.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy also stated the need to strengthen the counteraction to the Russian tanker fleet, which “uses European jurisdictions.”
Zelenskyy said this during an evening address.
According to him, Russia continues to use international jurisdictions and cover companies. During 2025 alone, Russia attracted more than 122 vessels under the control of European legal owners and operators to the oil trade, and emphasized the need for more active actions from partners.
“Europe needs to be much more active in countering the Russian tanker fleet. I thank all partners who see it this way and who are ready to strengthen legislation to block tankers and confiscate Russian oil,” he noted.
The head of state also emphasized that Ukraine will work on this in a bilateral format, so diplomats have active work ahead.
“And it is important that our partners support our work with sufficient assistance to Ukraine, assistance right now. “Resilience now, realism in conversations with partners now, joint results now – this is what can be the best contribution to the outcome of diplomacy now,” the president summed up.
