EU's chief diplomat reports appointment of special envoy to counter Russia's shadow fleet

Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has announced that a special envoy coordinator has been appointed to oversee coordinated EU efforts to counter Russia's shadow fleet, which Moscow has used to circumvent Western restrictions on its energy sector since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Source: Kallas following a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Kallas pointed out that the shadow fleet funds Russia's war and serves as a launchpad for hybrid attacks.

Quote: "Today, Ministers discussed a more robust response, including more powers to board shadow fleet vessels. I have also designated a special envoy coordinator to gather best practices from different member states across the Union, and also to be acting more swiftly on these points.

To further cut Russian war funds, we need a more robust EU-wide approach against the shadow fleet."

Background:

• The European External Action Service has proposed expanding EU member states' powers to inspect vessels that are part of Russia's shadow fleet.
• The European Union is gradually taking action against the shadow fleet, and the next sanctions package is expected to include measures against three companies that have issued fake flag certificates for a number of tankers in the fleet.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!