**Russia‘s “Shadow Fleet” Raises Concerns Across Europe**
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has expressed concerns about Russia’s “shadow fleet”. This refers to a network of ships allegedly used by Russia to bypass sanctions and fund its war efforts in Ukraine.
Baerbock claims that ships from this fleet are damaging important undersea cables across Europe. She says these incidents happen almost every month, with ship crews dropping anchors into the water and dragging them for kilometers without explanation. This has raised suspicions about sabotage.
One recent incident involved damage to a power cable connecting Finland and Estonia. Finnish authorities suspect sabotage and have detained an oil tanker linked to Russia’s shadow fleet. The European Union has also imposed sanctions on over 50 ships from this fleet as of mid-December.
Baerbock is urging stronger sanctions against Russia and increased investment in national security. She warns that undersea cables are crucial for global communication, and these incidents could have serious consequences.
These events come amid a string of incidents where fiber–optic cables were severed in the Baltic Sea. Swedish investigators are looking into possible sabotage by a Chinese vessel.
**Read More** @ kyivindependent.com