The Left has successfully placed the issue of Russia’s shadow fleet on the plenary agenda, urging the EU to take immediate action.
These old, uninsured, and poorly maintained tankers routinely violate EU sanctions, financing Russia’s war in Ukraine. The fleet also poses a serious threat to the Baltic Sea’s already fragile environment.

During the plenary debate, Finnish MEP Li Andersson (Vasemmistoliitto) said: “We in Europe must do everything we can to make war as costly as possible for Putin. Through the shadow fleet, Russia finances its illegal war of aggression with oil trade and acquires defense and security technology. Additionally, the poorly maintained tankers create a massive risk of environmental catastrophe in the Baltic Sea. We must now take more decisive action—we cannot afford to wait any longer.” Swedish MEP Jonas Sjöstedt (Vänsterpartiet) added: “Through my kitchen window, I can see the Baltic Sea, a sea that already has significant environmental problems. Beyond the horizon looms a disaster—the Russian shadow fleet. They frequently violate sanctions against Russia. This is how Putin’s war is being financed.” Russia’s ongoing evasion of sanctions shows that current measures are insufficient. The EU must act swiftly to close this loophole. Danish MEP Per Clausen (Enhedslisten) noted: “Every cent we take away from Putin and his cronies through their covert oil smuggling is money that cannot be used for Russian weapons against Ukraine, and it brings us closer to peace.” The EU must act collectively to stop the shadow fleet. This is not just about protecting our waters, but about cutting off a vital funding source for a regime committing atrocities in Ukraine. Strict implementation of sanctions is the only path forward, ensuring both environmental protection and peace.