Paul Grod: International action against Russia’s shadow fleet

by Paul Grod, President of the Ukrainian World Congress

In light of the recent environmental catastrophe in the Black Sea, where a Russian tanker broke apart during a heavy storm, spilling 4,300 tonnes of fuel oil, the international community must take decisive action against Russia’s shadow fleet. This fleet not only funds Russia’s criminal war on Ukraine but also poses a significant threat to our environment.

The incident in the Black Sea is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by these unregulated and often poorly maintained vessels. The spill has the potential to become one of the largest environmental disasters in the region in recent years, causing irreparable damage to marine life and coastal ecosystems. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

Russia’s shadow fleet operates with impunity, evading international sanctions and contributing to the financing of its aggressive military actions against Ukraine. These vessels are used to smuggle oil and other resources, which directly fund the Kremlin’s war machine. By allowing this fleet to continue operating, the international community is supporting Russia’s war efforts and enabling further aggression.

While the UK’s recent sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet are a commendable step, they are not enough. We must take more decisive action. The Ukrainian World Congress calls on countries to go beyond sanctions and take the bold step of confiscating these tankers and their petroleum cargo. By doing so, we can cut off a significant source of funding for Russia’s war efforts and send a clear message that the international community will not tolerate such reckless and destructive behavior.

Furthermore, it is time for the Nordic countries, particularly Denmark, to reconsider their adherence to international treaties that Russia continues to violate while expecting other nations to comply. Denmark must put a stop to Russian oil tankers from passing through the Danish Straits, crucial maritime routes connecting the Baltic Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. This decisive action would significantly disrupt Russia’s ability to transport oil and further weaken its economic capacity to wage war.

We must not turn a blind eye to the environmental and geopolitical consequences of Russia’s shadow fleet. The international community has a moral and strategic obligation to put an end to this dangerous practice. This can be achieved through coordinated efforts to enhance maritime security, enforce existing sanctions, and implement new measures to track and regulate these vessels.

The Ukrainian World Congress calls on governments, international organizations, and civil society to stop Russia’s export of oil and gas. We must work together to protect our environment, uphold international law, and support Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty and peace. The time for action is now. Let us not wait for another environmental disaster before we take the necessary steps to address this pressing issue.