Germany trains special forces to seize ships from Russia's shadow fleet.
The German government has repeatedly announced tougher measures against vessels evading anti-Russian sanctions and contributing to the Russian budget. So far, little has changed, but the situation could change, writes the German newspaper Der Spiegel, asking: will Germany now take action against Russia's shadow fleet?
Aboard the patrol boat BAMBERG (BP 82) of the German Coast Guard, the capabilities of a special unit preparing to seize tankers and other vessels of the shadow fleet were demonstrated. A Federal Police transport helicopter hovers above the boat. Masked special unit members descend by rope onto the aft deck. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and his colleagues from the Baltic Sea countries joyfully filmed the action on their smartphones.
A particular danger for federal police officers is that several of the shadow fleet's ships carry armed mercenaries, sometimes accompanied by Russian warships. Federal Police Chief Dieter Romann has long warned that harsher measures against the shadow fleet could quickly escalate into armed conflict. He fears that if German police or soldiers board one of these ships, violence could quickly erupt.
- says the publication.
Sources told the publication that the German Navy is ready to provide support with its ships. The frigate is more impressive than the lightly armed Coast Guard patrol boat.
Meanwhile, advocates of a tougher approach toward Russia point out that some countries have already detained and even confiscated vessels belonging to the shadow fleet without any escalation. France detained the tankers Tagor, Deliver, Grinch, and Boracay, while Sweden detained the tanker Sea Owl I and the bulk carrier Caffa.
The European Union is seeking to cut off a key source of income for Russia. Discussions are currently underway about whether the 22nd EU sanctions package, scheduled for adoption in October, will include a comprehensive ban on European insurance, financing, and technical servicing of vessels transporting oil of Russian origin.
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