Zelensky Calls on EU to Seize Russian Oil Supplies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on European nations to enact laws prohibiting vessels from Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" from navigating their waters and to seize Russian oil on Thursday.

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Zelensky made this appeal in a video message addressed to the leaders of the Joint Expeditionary Force, a UK-led alliance of 10 Northern European countries, who were convening in Helsinki.

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According to Zelensky, the goal of this joint effort is to establish robust laws in Europe that would empower countries to block Russian tankers and confiscate oil, thereby stripping Russia of its ability to exert pressure on Europe.

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Zelensky emphasized the importance of collective action, stating that these laws should serve as a potent tool to counter Russia's influence, and urged leaders to facilitate the implementation of such decisions in their respective countries.

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Zelensky expressed gratitude towards Denmark, Sweden, and France for their recent seizure of ships suspected of being part of the shadow fleet, citing their actions as a testament to the feasibility and effectiveness of enforcement.

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Moscow's shadow fleet comprises vessels that have been utilized to circumvent Western sanctions imposed since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, often consisting of ageing ships in poor condition, lacking proper insurance, and having opaque ownership structures.

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The French navy intercepted a third tanker from the shadow fleet in the Mediterranean last week, while Swedish authorities seized the Sea Owl I tanker in mid-March and arrested its captain on suspicion of document falsification and maritime regulation violations.

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The British government announced on Wednesday that its military has been granted the authority to board and seize ships sanctioned as part of the shadow fleet if they enter UK territorial waters.

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Currently, a total of 598 ships suspected of being part of the shadow fleet are under European Union sanctions.