Media: russia considering using warships to escort "shadow" tankers

The aggressor country russia is considering the possibility of using ships of its fleet to protect tankers from the so-called "shadow fleet" as several vessels have been detained by the security forces of several countries.

According to The Barents Observer, the relevant statement was made by the Maritime Board under the president of the russian federation.

"Issues related to ensuring the safety of navigation on strategic maritime routes are considered. Particular attention is paid to problems associated with violations of international maritime law by unfriendly states," the Maritime Board said.

They also said that the chairman of the Board, former secretary of the russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev, should present the proposed countermeasures personally to russian dictator vladimir putin.

Andrey Chibis, a member of the Maritime Board and governor of the Murmansk Oblast, also said that the role of the russian Navy is crucial.

"In a situation where unfriendly countries are increasingly trying to upset the balance and rules at sea, the role of the Navy is becoming crucial. This includes the defense of sea lanes," he told russian media after the Board meeting.

The Barents Observer notes that several russian warships appear to be already providing escort for the shadow fleet vessels. Thus, on January 10, a large anti-submarine ship Severomorsk was spotted off the coast of Portugal escorting two cargo ships

As reported by Ukrainian News, on January 7, the US military seized the "shadow" tanker Marinera, which had been trying to escape from the pursuit of the US Coast Guard ship for several weeks.

According to Reuters, the russians sent several warships, including a submarine, to meet the tanker. They were near the tanker when the US Special Forces boarded it, but did not take any action.