EU Expands Toolkit Against 'Shadow Fleet'; Lavrov Discusses Cargo Seizure

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has announced that the European Union has granted itself the right to stop and inspect ships carrying Russian cargo, as well as seize and sell that cargo, directing the proceeds to Ukraine.

According to Lavrov, the EU is not only entitled to halt and examine vessels transporting Russian goods but also to confiscate products, liquidate them, and transfer the generated financial resources to Ukraine. These measures are reportedly aimed at providing financial assistance to Kyiv.

Lavrov's statements come against the backdrop of the EU tightening its control and punitive measures against what is dubbed Russia's 'shadow fleet.' In recent months, the EU has expanded the restrictions on ships suspected of transporting Russian oil and circumventing established sanctions.