Twelve countries, including Estonia, will seek to “disrupt and deter” the movement of Russian “shadow fleet” vessels used by Russia to circumvent sanctions and reduce their impact on its economy, as agreed at the Joint Expeditory Force (JEF) meeting in Estonia on Monday, the 16th of December, reports ERR.
The agreement was signed by ten JEF member states – Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, as well as Germany and Poland.
The 12 countries agreed to disrupt and deter Russia’s shadow fleet to prevent illegal operations and increase the Russian costs of the war it started in Ukraine, the press release said.
Russia’s “shadow fleet” poses a threat to Europe’s security, economy and environment, said Prime Minister Kristen Michal.
“Those who choose to operate in the shadows must face the consequences,” he said. “We are taking concerted action to deter Russia’s “shadow fleet” and its attempts to evade sanctions.”
National maritime authorities have been instructed to check the insurance documents of ships suspected of being Russian shadow vessels when they pass through the English Channel, the Danish Great Belt, the Sound between Denmark and Sweden and the Gulf of Finland. The information collected, including on those vessels that choose not to respond to the requests, will be assessed and responded to jointly.
Estonia started inspections already in June, checking more than 200 vessels, most of which had the appropriate documentation.
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the measure would limit Russia’s ability to finance its “war machine”, adding that Estonia would continue inspections “jointly and in coordination with Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Sweden and the United Kingdom.”
The JEF Summit takes place in Tallinn on the 16th and 17th of December.
12 countries agree to crack down on Russia’s “shadow fleet” at JEF meeting in Estonia
