Green Party lawmaker urges German navy to intercept Russian shadow fleet vessels

Anton Hofreiter, a member of Bündnis 90/Die Grünen and chair of the Bundestag's Europe Committee, demanded that the German navy intervene against Russian ships he labels as a shadow fleet passing through German sea zones. He claimed the vessels operate illegally and break existing regulations, contrasting Germany's inaction with France and Belgium, which have boarded such ships. Hofreiter suggested that a Bundestag resolution could authorize the Bundeswehr to act, and if the federal police lack the required capabilities, the Interior Ministry should provide support.

He emphasized that political will could enable immediate measures. The proposal also touches on the broader context of Russia using opaque tankers to evade a price cap on its oil exports imposed by Western supporters of Ukraine.