Rusty tankers from Russia's "shadow fleet" pose a threat to the EU, according to Germany's Foreign Minister.

The so-called "shadow fleet" of Russia is not only evading Western sanctions. It also poses a threat to the European Union.

This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, as quoted by DW.

Baerbock criticized Russia's use of old vessels for transporting oil to circumvent sanctions. One such vessel lost control off the coast of Germany.

The German Foreign Minister accused Russian dictator Vladimir Putin of "cynically using a fleet of rusty tankers" not only to bypass the sanctions imposed against Moscow but also "deliberately putting tourism in the Baltic region at risk."

Recently, the Central Command for Emergency Situations in Germany reported that the tanker Eventin, carrying nearly 100,000 tons of oil, was drifting due to technical malfunctions. The tanker was en route from the Russian port of Ust-Luga.

Three tugboats were dispatched to the vessel, and no oil leaks or environmental threats were detected, while crew evacuation was unnecessary.

It is known that the tanker Eventin is part of Russia's "shadow fleet."

Damage to Cables in the Gulf of Finland

Recall that on December 25, undersea communication cables were damaged in the Gulf of Finland. In Finland, the tanker Eagle S was detained, which is also considered part of Russia's "shadow fleet."

According to the investigation, the tanker damaged a cable with its anchor, which it dragged along the seabed while passing over the Estlink 2 power line. The vessel was detained without one of its anchors - it was later found near the incident site.