Germany’s Foreign Minister calls for tougher sanctions on Russia’s ‘dark fleet’ as undersea cable damage escalates in the Baltic Sea.
At a Glance
- German Foreign Minister urges increased sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers
- Undersea cable damage in the Baltic Sea raises security and environmental concerns
- Finnish authorities detain suspected Russian tanker involved in cable damage
- NATO plans to enhance military presence in the Baltic Sea region
- EU has already sanctioned 79 vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet
Germany Pushes for Stricter Measures Against Russia’s Dark Fleet
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is spearheading a campaign for increased sanctions against Russia’s clandestine oil tanker fleet, commonly known as the “dark fleet.” This move comes in response to a series of incidents involving damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, raising significant security and environmental concerns among European nations.
Baerbock has highlighted the alarming frequency of these incidents, stating, “Ships are damaging major undersea cables in the Baltic Sea almost every month.” She further explained the modus operandi of these vessels, saying, “Crews are leaving anchors in the water, dragging them for kilometers along the seafloor for no apparent reason, and then losing them when pulling them up.”
Germany calls for new sanctions on Russia's dark fleet that is 'damaging major undersea cables' nearly every month https://t.co/YCj6QwQfGO
— Business Insider (@BusinessInsider) December 30, 2024
EU’s Current Stance and Future Actions
The European Union has not been idle in addressing this issue. To date, the EU has imposed sanctions on 79 vessels suspected to be part of Russia’s shadow fleet, barring them from accessing EU ports and services. However, the recent incidents have prompted calls for more stringent measures.
“I cannot say anything for sure, for this is a highly specialized issue that the presidential administration is hardly in a position to comment on,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.
These vessels, often characterized by unclear ownership and inadequate insurance coverage, pose significant risks to maritime safety and the environment. A recent storm in the Kerch Strait resulted in fuel oil spills from two tankers, underscoring the potential for ecological disasters.
Finland’s Response and NATO’s Involvement
In a significant development, Finnish authorities detained the Eagle S oil tanker, suspecting its involvement in the damage to a critical undersea cable connecting Finland and Estonia. The incident is currently under investigation as “aggravated criminal mischief” by Finnish police, marking a decisive step in addressing these threats.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has announced plans to enhance the alliance’s military presence in the Baltic Sea region. This move signifies NATO’s commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure and deterring potential threats in the area.
