Russia may deploy its "shadow fleet" for strategic military cargo transport, including supplies for its armies.
In an article for Politico, Atlantic Council expert Elizabeth Braw warns about this development. She highlights that while "shadow vessels" are inherently difficult to identify, their share has increased to 17% of the global fleet of oil tankers, providing Russia with significant capabilities for military transport.
The growth of Russia's "shadow fleet" has been a consequence of Western sanctions, including price caps on oil, aimed at reducing the Kremlin's income. In response to these measures, Russia has turned to shipping companies registered in countries with lax regulatory standards, such as Gabon, and has begun acquiring older vessels that are then used to transport oil and other goods. These ships lack the necessary insurance and operate under the radar of international organizations.
"According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development, 3,531 trading vessels (3.4 percent of the total worldwide) are currently sailing under the U.S. flag. Russia, for its part, has 2,910 trading vessels flying its flag, but thanks to the shadow fleet, it may have hundreds more at its disposal," the researcher notes.
Therefore, as Braw points out, the U.S. must invest in the development of its own strategic maritime transport, as the growing naval power of Russia and China may pose serious challenges in the future.
Source: politico.
As reported by Politeka, Sheitelman stated that discussions about a second World Summit seem to have merely delayed time until the elections in the U.S., and now it is no longer needed.
Politeka also reported that Musiienko called for joining the Territorial Defense, as the situation at the front is complicated and our units need assistance.