**Germany Saves Russian Tanker from Oil Spill in Baltic Sea**
On January 11, Germany announced that it had successfully established towing connections with a disabled tanker called Eventin. The tanker was part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” – a group of ships used to evade sanctions imposed by Western nations.
The Eventin tanker was carrying around 99,000 tons of oil and was drifting in the Baltic Sea coastal waters north of Rügen island. Germany’s Central Command for Maritime Emergencies (CCME) said that the towing convoy was moving eastwards at a speed of 2.5 kilometers per hour to prevent an oil spill.
**Russia Uses “Shadow Fleet” to Circumvent Sanctions**
The Eventin tanker was sailing from Russia to Egypt when it became disabled on January 10. Russia has been using its shadow fleet to export oil and circumvent sanctions imposed by Western nations for its brutal war against Ukraine.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock slammed Russia for threatening European security with its use of “dilapidated oil tankers.” She said that if an accident occurred, tourism on the Baltic Sea would come to a standstill.
**No Oil Leaks Detected**
Germany reported that no oil leaks had been detected after the incident. However, it was unclear whether there were suspicions of sabotage that may have caused the tanker to become disabled.
The use of Russia’s shadow fleet has raised concerns about the risks it poses to other ships, the environment, and countries experiencing maritime accidents.
**Global Reactions**
Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden said on January 10 that he did all he could to help Ukraine and voiced hope that U.S. support will continue even after he leaves office.
NATO allies are unlikely to meet U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed spending target of 5% of GDP but are open to an increase from the current 2%.
**War in Ukraine**
The reports come as Russia launched 74 Shahed-type attack drones and dummy drones against Ukraine overnight, with 47 drones shot down over 11 oblasts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that it was his dream to obtain security guarantees this year and end the war this year. However, U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that neither Russia nor Ukraine is currently prepared for negotiations to end the war.
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