Denmark reports nearly daily sightings of sanctioned Russian tankers operating in its waters as part of a shadow fleet evading international sanctions.
In 2025, Denmark recorded 292 tank voyages involving vessels under European Union sanctions operating within its waters. These reports highlight the emergence of a sizeable fleet of aging oil tankers owned by unclear entities, which Russia has established to circumvent sanctions imposed by the EU, the United States, and the G7 nations since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The sanctions are designed to limit Moscow's revenue from oil sales, which funds its military efforts in Ukraine.
The shadow fleet, consisting of deteriorating tankers carrying crude oil and refined products such as gasoline and diesel, poses a significant environmental risk due to the potential for oil spills. These vessels primarily navigate from the Gulf of Finland through the Baltic Sea into Danish waters, raising concerns among Danish authorities about the safety of their marine environment. Their operation complicates enforcement of sanctions and monitoring of maritime activities in the region.
Danish officials have utilized the EU sanctions list to track the movements of these vessels; however, accurately determining the size and activity of the shadow fleet remains a challenge. The growing number of sightings emphasizes the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region and the lengths to which Russia will go to maintain its oil export capabilities despite international restrictions.
