Russian "Shadow Tankers" Carry Armed Guards, Alarming Neighbors

A fleet of aging oil tankers, used by Russia to bypass Western sanctions, is now carrying armed guards. This new development has alarmed security services across the Nordic and Baltic regions. These so-called "shadow fleet" vessels often operate with unclear insurance and safety standards. The addition of armed personnel, described by officials as "irregular," increases the risk of incidents in busy regional waterways. The warning comes as a separate Russian-owned tanker, the *Marinera*, remains seized by Venezuelan authorities. Russia has formally demanded the crew receive humane treatment. In Washington, the White House stated the *Marinera*, part of the shadow fleet, faces legal prosecution for sanctions evasion. The situation highlights the growing international focus on the risks posed by these clandestine oil shipments.