Putin Offers "Safe Routes" and Europe Warns of Russian "Shadow Fleet"

SadaNews - Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is ready to share its experience in technological development for transportation and logistics services, affirming that events in Iran have affected energy markets and that there is a need to ensure supply security.

Putin added that Russia is capable of providing safe logistical routes for the world amid current international disruptions.

In a related context, Bloomberg reported from a "knowledgeable" source that the United States reaffirmed its commitment to the decision to ease U.S. sanctions imposed on Russia regarding some oil sales, although it described this easing as temporary.

Bloomberg also mentioned that hopes are fading for a diplomatic solution to the war between Russia and Ukraine, as U.S. President Donald Trump remains preoccupied with the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran.

On another note, EU Foreign Affairs Commissioner Kaja Kallas called for joint action and increased economic pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine.

In an interview with the German channel "ARD", she stated, "We must do something about the shadow fleet, as it is a tool used by Russia to extract oil from there and distribute it," pointing out that Moscow is obtaining revenues through it to finance the war.

Shadow Fleet

Kallas added, "Here we need to be creative, we have to sit down with our partners and talk to them, because if the UK, the U.S., Europe, and G7 partners issue the same sanctions, it will have a significant impact."

She emphasized that the focus now is on increasing pressure on Russia, stressing that the Russian economy is not doing well.

The term Russian shadow fleet refers to oil tankers and cargo ships that Moscow uses to evade sanctions, especially in transporting oil, while the European Union warns of the possibility of using them as platforms to launch drones for disruption or espionage attacks.

Kallas commented on the speculation regarding the redirection of weapons intended for Ukraine to the Middle East due to the Iran war, confirming that she inquired from NATO and was informed that these rumors are untrue, and that weapons continue on their way to Ukraine as planned.

She also stressed the necessity to "start now in pursuing the perpetrators despite that being difficult," affirming that after the war ends, it is essential to "ensure that those who suffered in Ukraine see justice."