24/09/2026
Today is World Maritime Day. Safe seas, free navigation and trade, respect for international maritime law – Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has put all of this at risk.
Moscow has attacked civilian ships and ports. It has mined sea routes. Its war has polluted the Black Sea with oil, chemicals and other harmful substances. Explosions and mines have killed people and marine life – including dolphins and other protected species.
Russia’s shadow fleet creates risks beyond sanctions evasion. Hundreds of ageing tankers are used to transport Russian oil. Many are in poor technical condition and lack proper insurance, increasing the risk of major oil spills.
Russian shadow-fleet vessels have also been linked to suspicious activity around Europe’s critical underwater infrastructure. They have been reported carrying equipment for intelligence gathering and GPS jamming while operating near undersea cables and other critical infrastructure.
The sea cannot be a place where international rules are ignored. Maritime law must be respected and enforced – in practice.
Photos: NurPhoto / Getty Images; Ministry of Defence of Ukraine; Odesa Regional Military Administration; Naval Forces of Ukraine; Havariekommando / EPA; Ivan Rusiev / Facebook; Alamy; Serhii Lysak / Facebbok; Alessio Mamo/The Guardian