Sweden urges more EU action against Russian shadow fleet

Sweden’s government is calling on more EU countries to intercept vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, according to a letter sent last week to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard and Civil Defence Minister Carl Oskar Bohlin demanded greater collective action, stating that EU members must match their rhetoric with concrete measures to counter Russian sanctions evasion.

“We urge other EU countries to live up to the fine words they deliver in meetings and media interviews about standing with Ukraine. They must also act,” Malmer Stenergard told SVT.

Swedish authorities have boarded five shadow fleet vessels since March, prompting some to reroute to avoid Swedish waters—a move the foreign minister described as costly in fuel and time. She emphasized that other nations along these new routes must also intervene.

Malmer Stenergard declined to single out specific countries but noted limited response so far. She expressed hope that the criticism would prompt greater action, even if not publicly acknowledged.

Earlier this week, British forces boarded a shadow fleet vessel in the English Channel, following similar actions by Belgian and French authorities. The shadow fleet is accused of helping Russia bypass sanctions tied to its invasion of Ukraine, often operating under flags of convenience and in poor condition.