A high-ranking Kremlin official has warned that Russia might employ its navy in retaliation if European nations continue to seize and board Russian vessels navigating the Baltic Sea. This warning emerges amidst increased European scrutiny and direct action against Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a network of tankers operating under foreign flags to circumvent sanctions. Citing European raids on ships suspected of sanctions evasion as “piracy,” the official expressed concern that such actions could escalate to a full blockade of Russian maritime access, particularly in the Atlantic.
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According to sources, the White House has requested that European nations impose sanctions on India mirroring those of the US, specifically halting oil and gas purchases from India and levying secondary tariffs. This follows India’s objections to US tariffs on its Russian crude oil purchases and accusations of Western hypocrisy, given that other countries are also buying oil from Moscow. The US claims India is funding Russia’s war in Ukraine, and White House officials are reportedly frustrated with European leaders who they believe are secretly undermining efforts to end the conflict by pushing for unrealistic territorial concessions for Ukraine. Discussions on the matter are expected at the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
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John Q. Hosedrinker