Russia Stops Vessels Baltic Sea Amid Shadow Fleet Tensions

Amid heightened tensions in the Baltic Sea, Estonia and its Baltic neighbors have intensified efforts to monitor and regulate Russia's 'shadow fleet,' a network of vessels suspected of evading Western sanctions by transporting Russian oil to countries like China and India. Estonia recently attempted to inspect and reroute a Russian oil tanker, sparking a Russian fighter jet's brief incursion into NATO airspace, highlighting Moscow’s readiness to defend these shadow vessels. Estonian officials, including Prime Minister Kristen Michal and Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, emphasize the need for coordinated Baltic and international measures to control shadow fleet activities and expand sanctions lists. Lithuania's Foreign Minister highlighted gaps in international maritime law regarding stateless ships and advocated for synchronized and expanded sanctions to curb Russia's maritime operations. Meanwhile, Russia has responded by reinforcing its Baltic Fleet's military presence, asserting its commitment to secure navigation and repel perceived provocations, framing NATO's actions as an attempted blockade. This ongoing maritime standoff underscores the broader geopolitical struggle over control and freedom of navigation in the strategically vital Baltic region.