**European Countries Plan to Seize Russian Oil Tankers**
European countries are secretly discussing the possibility of seizing large numbers of Russian oil tankers in the Baltic Sea. This move is being considered after a series of incidents, including one in December where an undersea power cable between Finland and Estonia was damaged.
**Incident in the Gulf of Finland**
In late December, a Russian tanker, believed to be part of Moscow’s “shadow fleet,” likely caused damage to an undersea power cable linking Finland and Estonia. The Eagle S vessel, carrying Russian oil, was detained in Finnish territorial waters as a result of the incident. An investigation is ongoing to determine whether the damage was accidental or deliberate sabotage.
**NATO Response**
In response to the incident, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that the military alliance will increase its presence in the Baltic Sea. This move aims to enhance security and protect European countries from potential threats.
**New Legislation Being Drafted**
European countries are also working on new legislation that would allow for the seizure of Russian oil tankers on legal grounds. Potential proposals include using international law to seize vessels on environmental or piracy grounds. Individual countries could also make independent decisions, jointly introducing new national laws to arrest ships in more distant maritime zones.
**Russian Sanctions**
The European Union, the U.K., and the U.S. have already slapped sanctions on oil-carrying vessels of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet. Ukraine has also imposed sanctions on Russian “shadow fleet” captains and cultural heritage looters.
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