French soldiers on a tanker from Russia's so-called shadow fleet that was suspected of being involved in drone flights over Denmark. Photograph: Damien Meyer/AFP/Getty ImagesA senior Russian official has said Moscow could deploy its navy to protect Russian-linked vessels from potential European seizures. The threat raises the prospect of retaliatory action against European shipping as pressure on the Kremlin’s so-called shadow fleet intensifies. [ Why is a Russian ‘shadow fleet’ using Irish waters?Opens in new window ]More than 600 vessels have been targeted by sanctions from the EU, UK and US. Earlier this year, the French navy briefly intercepted a tanker suspected of operating within the shadow fleet before allowing it to continue its journey.

Source: The Irish Times February 17, 2026 15:21 UTC