Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, has urged European countries to enact stricter legislation to stop Russian “shadow fleet” oil tankers and confiscate their cargo.

Zelensky called for coordinated legal action throughout Europe in a speech to Joint Expeditionary Force leaders in Helsinki. He declared, “We need to work together to develop strong laws in Europe that allow countries to block Russian tankers and confiscate the oil.” “This ought to be a useful instrument to prevent Russia from exerting pressure on Europe.”

He also encouraged countries to push for wider adoption of such measures across the continent. “Please also help others in Europe move these decisions forward and implement them at home,” Zelensky added.

The so-called shadow fleet refers to vessels used by Russia to bypass Western sanctions imposed after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These ships are often older, poorly maintained, and operate with unclear ownership and limited insurance.

Zelensky praised recent enforcement actions by Denmark, Sweden and France, which have seized vessels suspected of being part of the fleet. “Their actions were a clear demonstration that enforcement is not only possible but effective,” he said.

Recent developments include the seizure of a tanker in the Mediterranean by the French navy and the detention of the Sea Owl I vessel in Sweden, where authorities arrested its captain over alleged document falsification.

The United Kingdom has also announced new powers allowing its military to board and seize sanctioned vessels entering its waters. According to EU data, nearly 600 ships are suspected of being part of Russia’s shadow fleet and are currently under sanctions.