Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) has elaborated on the planned tougher measures against Russia’s “shadow fleet.” The German government is committed not only to preventing the loading of cargo through negotiations with other countries but is also considering the prospect of seizing tankers in the future, although he clarified this remains merely an “option for the future.”
Wadephul told the news program “Welt” that extensive diplomatic discussions are underway with numerous nations regarding the refusal to allow such tankers into ports or to accept their cargo. He stressed that this country cannot be serviced through circumvention of sanctions, and these dialogues will continue. While some nations have already detained such tankers, Germany views this as a future possibility. Crucially, these measures must be implemented “appropriately and firmly,” yet in a manner that demonstrates to Russia that a return to rational cooperation is still viable.
Wadephul condemned the shadow fleet as an escalation by Russia. He pointed out that Russia initiated the escalating actions by invading Ukraine and is now resorting to such means. He defined the so-called shadow fleet as an illegal mechanism designed to bypass the sanctions Germany has imposed.
Furthermore, Wadephul alluded to potential environmental legal actions against these vessels. He warned that these ships pose severe risks, as many are old and rusty tankers. Should they break down in the Baltic Sea and spill oil, the resulting ecological crisis would have devastating consequences for both the environment and the tourism industry. He emphasized that regulating such events is entirely within the scope of normal practice.
When asked what further steps Germany is prepared to take should Russia escalate its actions, Wadephul declined to reveal specific details. “I will not grant Vladimir Putin that favor,” he stated. He asserted that the appropriate responses will always be found-responses that are suitable and designed to prevent a difficult trajectory while ensuring Russia understands that Germany is capable of defending itself. He concluded by confirming that Germany is secure and benefits from strong allied relationships.
