Russia has issued a stern warning to Denmark regarding any potential restrictions on Russian ships’ navigation in the Baltic Sea. According to a spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, such measures will be viewed as hostile acts and will lead to retaliation from the Russian side. This statement was published by Reuters and is raising concerns about the security and stability in the region. The background for the Russian warning is not immediately clear, but it comes at a time when there is increased attention on the condition and activities of Russian ships in the Baltic Sea.
Several media outlets have reported on issues with Russian ships, which are described as run-down and often used to circumvent international sanctions. These ships, which often lack clarity on insurance and ownership, have been labeled as part of the so-called Russian shadow fleet. In March, it was revealed that at least 15 Russian oil tankers had rejected Danish assistance for navigation through Danish waters since the beginning of the year, which goes against international recommendations.