EU's Kallas calls for joint action against Russia's shadow fleet

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called for a significant further increase in economic pressure on Russia to help bring the war in Ukraine to an end.

In an interview with German public broadcaster ARD on Tuesday, Kallas said action was needed against Russia's so-called shadow fleet, which Moscow uses to export and distribute oil, thereby generating revenue for the war.

She said Western allies needed to be creative and coordinate closely, arguing that sanctions would have a major effect if the United Kingdom, the United States, Europe and other Group of Seven (G7) partners all imposed the same measures.

The focus now was on stepping up pressure on Russia so that Moscow would end the war, she said, adding that the Russian economy was not doing well.

Russia's shadow fleet refers to tankers and cargo ships that Moscow uses to circumvent sanctions, for example in oil transport. The European Union has long warned that shadow fleet vessels could also be used as platforms to launch drones for disruptive or espionage attacks.

Asked whether the Iran war had led to weapons intended for Ukraine and financed by Europe being diverted to the Middle East, Kallas said she had asked NATO about the rumours. She said she had been told this was not the case and that the weapons were continuing to go to Ukraine as planned.