Sweden urges EU to board and inspect Russian oil tankers to cut war funding

Sweden urges EU to intercept Russian oil tankers funding the war. Swedish television reported 262 Russian "shadow fleet" oil tankers transported oil through the Baltic Sea this year. Sweden's Foreign Minister called for EU boarding and inspection to stop Russia from funding its war in Ukraine. These aging tankers, often with opaque ownership and flying flags of convenience, are crucial for Russia's war funding. India is a major recipient, refining the oil and selling products back to Europe. Russia has deployed warships to protect these tankers, increasing tensions in the Baltic Sea. Sweden has detained several suspicious vessels, including one with a falsified Syrian flag.