Today’s news / Danish bid to halt Russia’s shadow fleet in Baltic
Denmark will curb sanctioned Russian oil traveling through the Baltic Sea, says Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen (M). (Archive photo). Photo: Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix

Danish bid to halt Russia’s shadow fleet in Baltic

Denmark has initiated negotiations to stop the transportation of sanctioned Russian oil through the Baltic Sea, Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen announced. The oil carriers, forming the so-called shadow fleet, are increasing in numbers and used by Russia to circumvent sanctions. Rasmussen emphasized the importance of practical and legally sound countermeasures. Danish waters frequently see old and poorly maintained ships of unclear ownership transporting oil to evade tracking back to Russia. While specific countermeasures were not detailed, the seriousness of the shadow fleet issue was affirmed. Denmark is confidentially discussing strategies with Baltic countries and the EU. A Russian spokesperson warned in early May that any Danish constraints on Russian ships would be met with retaliation.