Milan – Russia detention of a Greek ship that left Estonia – a few days after Estonian forces tried to intercept an oil tanker for Russia – signals Moscow’s desire to deploy military more openly to protect its fleet of shadow, a vital pillar of its war economy, according to experts.
Russia temporarily arrested the oil tanker in its territorial waters on Sunday following the Estonian navy attempt last week to stop non-fanc Jaguar Tench of a tanker in its exclusive economy area.
Apparent reprisals were interpreted by analysts as a signal for the preparation of Russia to defend its clandestine maritime operations by force, if necessary, to dissuade possible interference.
“Russia is more manifest in the use of the military force to protect its shadow fleet – using a jet in what seems to be an imprudent and dangerous flight case is a clear indication that he wants no interference with ships that contribute more and more instrumental to his war economy for Sebastian security policy (ISPK).
Although it was the first time that Russian officials have held a ship in the region, experts say that the incident is part of a broader behavior towards the Baltic State.
“It does not differ considerably from the wider trends in Russian attitudes towards Estonia – it only reflects the multifaceted nature of the Russian hybrid war combining military force, plausible denial and the war of information,” said Ivan Klyszcz, researcher at the International Center for Defense and Security, based in Estonia.
The episode started on May 13, when Jaguar Transit in Estonian waters.
“The navy began to call to identify the status of the ship and to verify its flag – the intention was to direct it to anchorage to verify it and insurance”, the chief of staff of the seat of the Estonian defense forces, Maj. General Vahur Karus, said in a national news program, quoted by the Estonian broadcaster Err.
The ship, suspected of being part of the fleet of the shadow of Russia, had already sailed under the Gabone flag until this right is removed three days before it was sanctioned by the United Kingdom
“It was intended for the Russian Federation,” said major-general Karus.
According to the Estonian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna, the Estonian navy made a first unsuccessful attempt to arrest the oil tanker.
After the ship refused to follow the orders to change its course, rather than head to Russian waters escorted by Estonian ships, an approach to Russian jet Sukhoi Su-35, flying in Estonian airspace for less than a minute.
The Russian war plane was sent as a protective measure to prevent the Jaguar from being dimensioned, Margarita Simonyan, Russian head of state, said RT on X.
Such hectic situations in the Baltic Sea have intensified in recent months, NATO has launched its Baltic Sentry Patrol mission in January after a series of sabotage incidents.
Boarding and inspection of suspect ships have proven to be an increasingly complex company, largely due to the various laws governing national waters against international.
Bruns noted that the May 13 incident presents wider strategic implications, while Europeans seek means to find a balance between maritime regulations while carrying out a national and allied defense.
“What are the Western Marines and the Guards of the Coast do while in the future cargo cargo cargo cargo cargo cargoes will be” closely protected “by Russian warships? These are questions that are difficult to ask,” he said.
International law grants a country the right to get on board and inspect foreign ships in their Ezz to verify compliance with its regulations.
“I would warn that Estonia will be cautious like” climbing “if they had been more energetic – they too on the line,” said Bruns.
Russia has released the Greek oil tanker Admire green on On May 20, which continued his trip to Rotterdam, according to Err.
Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo is corresponding in Europe for defense. It covers a wide range of subjects linked to military supply and international security, and specializes in reports on the aviation sector. It is based in Milan, Italy.
