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Russia’s shadow tanker fleet is one of the biggest threats, Zelenskyy says

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

17 December 2024 16:59 (UTC +04:00)

"I want to highlight the EU’s decision on new sanctions against Russia and the determination – especially of the Baltic and North Sea countries – to limit Russia’s shadow tanker fleet not just with sanctions, but in other ways too. This fleet is one of the biggest threats," President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on X, APA reports.

"Putin uses these tankers to finance his war. Most of these vessels are old, poorly maintained, and operate without oversight. Recently, near the Kerch Strait, two oil tankers sank. These ships were nearly 50 years old and should not have been in operation at all. Our sea is facing yet another environmental disaster caused by Russia. But there are even larger and more dangerous Russian tankers operating in your seas. Stopping this fleet is not just about cutting off Russia’s war funding – it’s about protecting nature," Ukrainian President stated.

Urging everyone to take even stronger action Zelenskyy said: "Ensure these shadow tanker fleet and other Russian vessels, including those transporting weapons, can no longer operate in European waters."