MILAN — Russia’s Recent Maritime Actions
In a recent show of force, Russia detained a Greek-owned vessel that had left Estonia, just days following an attempt by Estonian forces to intercept a tanker bound for Russia. This move is seen by experts as an indication of Moscow’s readiness to use more overt military means to safeguard its covert shipping operations, which are crucial to its wartime economy.
On Sunday, Russia halted the oil tanker within its territorial waters, following an incident last week where the Estonian navy tried to stop the unflagged and non-responsive tanker Jaguar within Estonia’s exclusive economic zone.
Analysts view this action as a clear message from Russia, demonstrating its preparedness to use force to defend its hidden maritime activities from external threats.
“Russia’s more visible use of military strength to guard its undercover fleet, particularly using a jet in a manner that seems both reckless and dangerous, underscores its intent to prevent any disruption to the vessels that are increasingly vital to its wartime economic activities,” explained Sebastian Bruns, a senior researcher at the Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University (ISPK) in Kiel, Germany.
Although this is the first reported instance of such detention by Russian authorities in this area, experts believe it aligns with a broader pattern of Russian behavior towards the Baltic nations.
“This incident doesn’t significantly deviate from Russia’s general stance toward Estonia. It simply highlights the complex nature of Russian hybrid warfare, which blends military power, plausible deniability, and information warfare,” stated Ivan Klyszcz, a research fellow at the Estonia-based International Centre for Defence and Security.
The incident initiated on May 13, when the Jaguar passed through Estonian waters.
“The Navy began attempts to establish the ship’s status and verify its flag with the aim of directing it to an anchorage for inspection and to check its insurance,” said Maj. Gen. Vahur Karus, chief of staff of the Estonian Defense Forces’ Headquarters, during a national news broadcast, as reported by Estonian broadcaster ERR.
The vessel, believed to be a component of Russia’s shadow fleet, had been registered under the Gabonese flag until this registration was revoked three days prior to it being sanctioned by the U.K.
“The destination was the Russian Federation,” Maj. Gen. Karus noted.
According to Estonia’s foreign minister, Margus Tsahkna, the Estonian navy initially failed to stop the tanker. Following the vessel’s refusal to alter its course and instead heading toward Russian waters under escort from Estonian ships, a Russian Sukhoi Su-35 jet was dispatched, breaching Estonian airspace for under a minute.
Margarita Simonyan, head of the Russian state-owned outlet RT, stated on X that the Russian warplane was deployed to prevent the seizure of the Jaguar.
Maritime tensions in the Baltic Sea have escalated in recent months, prompting NATO to initiate its Baltic Sentry patrol mission in January after a series of sabotage events.
Boarding and inspecting suspicious ships have become increasingly challenging due to differing regulations governing national and international waters.
“The May 13 incident raises broader strategic questions for Europeans as they strive to balance maritime laws with national and allied defense objectives,” Bruns commented.
“What actions will Western navies and coast guards take in the future when merchant ships from the shadow fleet receive close protection from Russian warships? These are difficult questions,” he added.
International law permits countries to board and inspect foreign vessels within their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) to ensure compliance with local laws.
Bruns also cautioned, “Estonia will likely tread carefully to avoid escalating tensions further, as they too are navigating a delicate situation.”
Russia released the detained Greek tanker Green Admire on May 20, which then continued its journey to Rotterdam, as reported by ERR.
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Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
