German minister demands crackdown on Russian shadow fleet

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Monday called for tougher measures against the Russian shadow fleet, a network of tankers used by Moscow to circumvent sanctions on oil sales.

During talks with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže in Riga, Wadephul insisted that international maritime law needs to be urgently reformed to enable authorities to take action against the vessels and those operating them.

Despite EU sanctions imposed on the shadow fleet, cooperation between nations bordering the Baltic Sea needs to be expanded, while authorities need to be able to act against vessels even if it's unclear where they are registered, said Wadephul.

"We must now use all the possibilities offered by maritime law to stop such ships," Germany's top diplomat said.

Braže called for action against financial service providers and ports that handle cargo from the shadow fleet.

"All loopholes that are being exploited by Russia to carry out these operations must be closed," she demanded. Greater international coordination and improved communication are needed, she said.

Wadephul was visiting Latvia and Sweden on Monday to discuss security in the Baltic region, including hybrid attacks by Russia and the shadow fleet.

Since the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, repeated cyberattacks in the region and damage to undersea communications cables have been attributed to Russia.

Latvia's state security service on Monday warned that the security risks emanating from Russia are increasing significantly in Europe, according to the agency's annual report for 2025.

While the report concludes that Russia currently poses no direct military threat to the Baltic EU and NATO country, it says Russian narratives and propaganda about Latvia point to "potential long-term plans." 

"All kinds of attempts are being made to influence our Western countries. These will continue and become even more intense," Braže said.

She accused Russia of increasingly using unconventional means to achieve its goals by unconventional means. "That is the new normal."

"Of course, Russia will continue to try to destabilize us," Wadephul agreed. "And of course, this will not stop, even with a possible peace agreement in Ukraine."

Ahead of the two-country visit, the German minister called on Europeans to stand united in light of the Russian hybrid attacks and the erratic policies of US President Donald Trump, who recently caused an outcry in Europe with his quest to acquire Greenland.

"In this phase of geopolitical upheaval, we Europeans must present a united front and act with confidence," Wadephul said.

Following talks in Riga, Germany's top diplomat was scheduled to travel on to Stockholm for talks with Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Stenergard.

Latvia joined NATO in 2004, while Sweden joined in 2024, ending over 200 years of neutrality. The country began seeking membership immediately after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.