EU Maritime Inspections of Russian Oil Tankers Raise Risk of Escalation at Sea

Brussels has authorized EU member states to inspect tankers carrying Russian oil subject to sanctions in the Mediterranean Sea, a step that, according to critics, could increase the risk of a direct military confrontation in international waters. EU Expands IRINI Mission Naval vessels from EU member states have received permission to board ships transporting sanctioned Russian oil in the Mediterranean, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said during an informal meeting of defense ministers in Cyprus on June 8. According to Kallas, EU naval forces have already begun carrying out inspections of vessels.