Putin Requires FSB Approval for Foreign Ships Entering Russian Ports

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree requiring all foreign ships arriving at Russian seaports to obtain approval from the Federal Security Service (FSB) before entry. This new rule, effective immediately, mandates that permission from port captains must be coordinated with FSB officials, expanding the security agency's role beyond previous regulations which were managed by the Ministry of Transport and applied special procedures only near naval bases. The decree was issued under martial law provisions amid heightened security concerns following a series of mysterious explosions on oil tankers and increased Ukrainian attacks inside Russia. While no official explanation for the change has been provided, it aligns with Russia's efforts to tighten control over maritime access during ongoing conflicts and sanctions pressures. The move also reflects growing scrutiny of Russia's maritime activities, including the so-called 'shadow fleet' used to circumvent sanctions. International responses include new EU oil price caps and warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump of further sanctions unless Russia ends the war in Ukraine.