The European Union reveals its plan to confront the Russian stealth fleet

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The European Union reveals its plan to confront the Russian stealth fleet

strengthens its arsenal to confront , which are used by To circumvent Western sanctions imposed on its exports of crude oil.

This includes facilitating inspections on board, according to a document submitted to the 27 member states.

The Russian Ghost Oil Tanker Fleet

The European Union’s foreign policy official, Kaya Kallas, said Monday upon her arrival in Luxembourg to attend the bloc’s foreign ministers’ meeting. "We have to think about this matter more, and be more creative, because they (the Russians) are also creative at deception." On sanctions"

And its agencies prepared a list of options, including the possibility of conducting inspections on board these tankers.

According to the document, the European Union wants to negotiate agreements with the countries whose flags the fleet of stealth oil tankers is flying, in order to allow conducting "Pre-authorized inspections" Within the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Obstructing the Russian fleet

The European Union is also seeking to adopt a new legal instrument, within the framework of this agreement, with the aim of "Enhancing its ability to deal with the challenges associated with the stealth oil tanker fleet".

Earlier this month, French President Emmanuel Macron called on Europeans to take action "step" In terms of obstructing the Russian fleet, one of whose ships France intercepted off its coast.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said in Luxembourg on Monday. "We will obstruct the movement of these ships after imposing sanctions on them, in partnership with the member states of the Volunteer Coalition"

European sanctions against Russia

The stealth fleet used by Russia includes between 600 and 1,400 ships, according to the European Union, of which 562 ships will be subject to sanctions once the nineteenth package of European sanctions against Moscow is adopted, which is currently being discussed.

According to Macron, the oil trade attributed to this fleet represents "More than 30 billion euros" To Russia’s budget, and contributes to financing "30 to 40% of its war spending" Against Ukraine.