EU foreign chief warns Russian shadow fleet poses ticking ecological time bomb

EU foreign chief Kaja Kallas warned that Russia’s “shadow fleet,” composed of old and poorly maintained vessels, represents a “time-set ecological bomb” that could cause a significant oil spill on European shores. Greenpeace Norway director Haldis Tjeldflaat Helle agreed, pointing to the August grounding of the tanker Caroline Bezengi off Oman, which spilled an unknown volume of oil after carrying about 800,000 barrels of Russian crude.

The fleet’s ships often lack clear ownership, fly no flag or false flags, and are insufficiently insured, meaning any accident would leave cleanup costs to local populations. British authorities say the fleet includes more than 700 ships that transport the bulk of sanctioned Russian oil, providing a crucial revenue stream for the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine. Kallas’ warning follows recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump about a diesel supply deal with Russia, highlighting the geopolitical stakes of the fleet’s operations. Environmental experts stress that spill response in the Arctic would be especially difficult due to ice and limited daylight.