President Volodimir Zelenski reported, citing Ukrainian secret services, that Russia has over 500 oil tankers in its phantom fleet, ships that operate under the flag of other countries. The statement was made at a meeting with journalists, according to reports from Interfax-Ukraine.
“According to our data, there are over 500 such tanks. They must be completely stopped, as this would have a significant impact on energy trade and European security. These tanks are also among the platforms used by Russia for launching drones.”
Zelenski emphasized the importance of continuing sanctions against the hidden Russian fleet, citing as an example France’s detention of a Russian oil tanker on September 30.
“The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reported that the oil tanker Boracai left from Primorsk, Russia. The tanker was stopped. On board were officers of the Russian secret services. It is important to mention the following: the captain was a Chinese citizen. I think this is a common practice for the Russian Federation,” he explained.
The Ukrainian leader mentioned that the oil tanker was released three days later. “The phantom fleet – that’s how it works. Even when a ship is stopped, inspected, the captain called to court and removed from the ship, that doesn’t mean that the oil will not continue to be transported,” Zelenski emphasized.