Germany has seized the oil tanker Eventin, suspected to be part of Russia’s shadow fleet. The tanker, carrying around 100,000 metric tons of oil, has raised environmental concerns and was intercepted while traveling from Russia to Egypt. Authorities are working on measures to manage the vessel and its cargo amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Germany has enacted a confiscation order for the oil tanker Eventin, which is suspected of being part of a Russian “shadow fleet.” This vessel is currently docked in the Baltic Sea, specifically near the island of Rügen, carrying approximately 100,000 metric tons of oil valued at around €40 million (approximately $43.3 million). The confiscation signifies a significant action in response to Russia’s attempts to evade sanctions on its oil exports following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The Eventin was intercepted while en route from Russia to Egypt. Concerns over a potential oil spill have arisen due to its presence in the Baltic Sea. As authorities assess the situation, they are developing a plan to safely extract the crude oil from the tanker, which has been barred from proceeding with its journey. A spokesman from the finance ministry stated, “Customs measures are currently underway and, given the current security situation, we cannot comment very extensively on the matter.”
Security analysts outline that Russia is evading sanctions through a network of hundreds of vessels. In light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and heightened tensions between Russia and the West, the German Foreign Office has refrained from providing detailed comments, merely acknowledging that customs measures are in progress. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow possesses no information regarding the vessel or its owner, nor the rationale behind its seizure.
The seizure of the oil tanker Eventin by Germany highlights ongoing challenges related to Russia’s evasion of sanctions imposed due to its actions in Ukraine. Authorities are taking necessary precautions to prevent environmental hazards while critically assessing how to manage the tanker and its cargo. The situation illustrates the broader geopolitical tensions and complexities arising from the conflict between Russia and the West.
Original Source: www.dw.com
