Friday, March 27, 2026 - Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on European nations to introduce stronger laws to block Russian “shadow fleet” oil tankers and seize their cargo.
Speaking to leaders of the Joint Expeditionary Force in
Helsinki, Zelensky urged coordinated legal action across Europe. “We need joint
action to create strong laws in Europe that allow countries to block Russian
tankers and confiscate the oil,” he said. “This should be a real tool to take
away Russia’s ability to pressure Europe.”
He also encouraged countries to push for wider adoption of
such measures across the continent. “Please also help others in Europe move
these decisions forward and implement them at home,” Zelensky added.
The so-called shadow fleet refers to vessels used by Russia
to bypass Western sanctions imposed after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
These ships are often older, poorly maintained, and operate with unclear
ownership and limited insurance.
Zelensky praised recent enforcement actions by Denmark,
Sweden and France, which have seized vessels suspected of being part of the
fleet. “Their actions were a clear demonstration that enforcement is not only
possible but effective,” he said.
Recent developments include the seizure of a tanker in the
Mediterranean by the French navy and the detention of the Sea Owl I vessel in
Sweden, where authorities arrested its captain over alleged document
falsification.
The United Kingdom has also announced new powers allowing
its military to board and seize sanctioned vessels entering its waters.
According to EU data, nearly 600 ships are suspected of being part of Russia’s
shadow fleet and are currently under sanctions.
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