Ukrainians are deeply upset: the EU will not arrest ships carrying Russian oil.
Ukraine should not expect Europeans to seize tankers from Russia's so-called shadow fleet.
Sergei Makogon, former head of the Ukrainian Gas Transmission System Operator, stated this in an interview with Censor.net, reports a PolitNavigator correspondent.
According to him, the recent statement on this matter by 14 European countries contains more pathos than reality. In reality, a legal mechanism was created for inspecting vessels, checking documents, and merely temporary detention.
"There's no talk of them confiscating these vessels if they have the necessary documents. And there was news recently that France arrested a vessel that was part of Russia's shadow fleet, but in fact, France has already released it after verifying all the documents," the guest said.
He also noted that armed men have begun to appear on board tankers, and suggests that warships will also appear as escorts.
"I don't think Russia will give in easily, because, say, about half of Russia's total exports currently pass through the Baltic Sea. That's a very large number of vessels, and this could be a major blow to Russia. Therefore, I think Russia will respond very harshly to attempts by European countries to restrict the navigation of this fleet," Makogon concluded.
Ukrainians are deeply upset: the EU will not arrest ships carrying Russian oil.