Estonian incidents show direct link between Russia and shadow fleet - Lithuanian FM

VILNIUS - This week's two incidents in Estonia, including a failed attempt to intercept a vessel, show a direct connection between the Kremlin and Russia's so-called shadow fleet, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said on Thursday.

"The incident is really serious because it reminds us once again that the shadow fleet is really active in the Baltic Sea," said Lithuania's top diplomat, who is currently visiting Turkey.

The Estonian Navy said that on Tuesday it tried to intercept a UK-sanctioned tanker bound for Russia. However, Estonian officials were unable to board the vessel as the crew refused to cooperate.

The ship, Jaguar, is one of about 100 vessels in Russia's so-called shadow fleet - a term used by Western countries for ships Moscow is accused of using to dodge international sanctions over its war in Ukraine.

On the same day, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet allegedly entered Estonian airspace without authorization near the Juminda Peninsula on the country's northern coast. It remained in Estonian airspace for less than a minute.

"In our view, Estonia, as a coastal state, acted in line with international maritime law. It has the right to check what the cargo is, especially when the vessel is flagless," Budrys said.

"The ship's captain failed to comply with instructions, and the fact that a Russian aircraft immediately showed up, maneuvering dangerously and violating Estonian airspace, endangering everyone present - and in doing so, effectively defending the vessel - revealed a direct link between Russia and the shadow fleet," he added.

According to the minister, the incident is a reminder of the need for NATO's presence in the Baltic Sea to ensure security and stability. He also called for the extension of the Baltic Sentry, a new surveillance mission launched by the Alliance in January to deter attacks on underwater infrastructure in the region.

"Another reminder is that we have to expand sanctions on the shadow fleet. The Baltic Sea countries also need to coordinate from ashore what additional measures we should take," Lithuania's top diplomat said.

This week, Lithuania is set to formally join a regional agreement on the protection of critical underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.

The memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed during a meeting of Baltic Sea foreign ministers in Vihula, Estonia, on Friday.