European Union countries have allowed warships in the Mediterranean to detain and inspect foreign vessels that the EU considers part of the Russian “shadow fleet”.
This was announced by the head of European diplomacy, Kai Kallas, ahead of a meeting of EU defense ministers in Cyprus.
“Our operation IRINI has changed the rules of engagement and now allows for the detention and inspection of ships,” Kallas said.
According to her, the decision regarding the “shadow fleet” is not only related to compliance with sanctions. Brussels also emphasizes issues of shipping safety.
Kallas noted that the European Union seeks to limit Russia’s oil export revenues, which Moscow could use to finance its war against Ukraine.
Operation IRINI has been operating in the Mediterranean since March 2020. It was created to monitor compliance with the UN arms embargo on Libya. In addition, the mission monitors illegal oil exports from Libya, combats people smuggling and participates in the training of the Libyan coast guard.
The operation is headquartered in Rome. As of September 2020, 21 EU countries were participating in the mission, contributing three ships, five aircraft and around 600 troops.
It should be noted thatRussia continues to expand its shadow fleet for transporting liquefied natural gas , which is under US sanctions. Four more tankers, previously owned by Oman, have been added to the transports.
