Russia's 'Shadow Fleet' Exploits European Waters for Strategic Purposes
Russian activities in European waters have escalated, with ships being used for various strategic purposes. Moscow is exploiting its 'shadow fleet' to export oil and exert political pressure, while also employing vessels for intelligence gathering and hybrid warfare operations. Recent incidents, including drone incursions and suspected sabotage, have heightened European concerns.
Expert analysis reveals that ships can serve multiple roles in the maritime 'grey zone'. They can map undersea infrastructure, gather intelligence, and make political statements. Moscow is capitalising on this, repurposing its 'shadow fleet' to export Russian oil and circumvent Western sanctions, with a focus on military aspects and putting pressure on Europe.
The Boracay, a ship suspected of being part of Russia's 'shadow fleet', was recently detained and searched by the French navy off Saint-Nazaire. After being released, it resumed its journey towards the Suez Canal. The ship was previously suspected of potentially being used as a launch pad for drone incursions into Danish and Norwegian airspace, highlighting Russia's use of ships as an integral part of its hybrid warfare capabilities, according to Mark Lacy, a specialist in new warfare trends.
The recent campaign of drone incursions into European airspace has exposed weak points in European defenses and responses. Countries involved in the suspicion of using ships as platforms for Russian hybrid warfare operations include Russia, Denmark, and Germany, which has deployed naval support as part of NATO missions to secure the Baltic Sea. Moscow is also suspected of sabotaging undersea internet cables in the Baltic Sea and off the UK coast since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Two other cargo ships spotted near Copenhagen airport are also suspected of serving similar purposes.
The increasing use of ships for strategic purposes by Russia has raised alarm bells in Europe. From exporting oil to circumvent sanctions to suspected sabotage of undersea cables, these activities underscore the need for robust European defenses and coordinated responses. As Russia continues to exploit the maritime 'grey zone', European nations must remain vigilant and adapt their strategies to counter these evolving threats.
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