Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on European nations to introduce stronger laws that would allow them to block Russian “shadow fleet” tankers and confiscate their oil.

Speaking in a video message to leaders of the Joint Expeditionary Force meeting in Helsinki, Zelensky stressed the need for coordinated action across Europe to curb Russia’s ability to bypass sanctions.

“We need joint action to create strong laws in Europe that allow countries to block Russian tankers and confiscate the oil,” he said, adding that such measures would weaken Russia’s capacity to exert pressure on European countries.

He also urged leaders to ensure these decisions are implemented domestically, describing enforcement as both possible and effective. Zelensky specifically thanked countries like Denmark, Sweden, and France for recent actions taken against vessels linked to the so-called shadow fleet.

The shadow fleet refers to a network of ageing, poorly regulated ships used by Russia to evade Western sanctions imposed after the Russia-Ukraine War began in 2022. These vessels often operate without proper insurance and with unclear ownership structures.

Recent developments include seizures of suspected vessels by European authorities, while the United Kingdom has also empowered its military to board and detain sanctioned ships entering its waters.

According to reports, hundreds of such vessels are currently under sanctions by the European Union, highlighting the scale of efforts to restrict Russia’s oil trade and limit its economic influence.