Kallas: EU will detain tankers carrying Russian oil in the Mediterranean

Elena Panina
Елена Панина (Telegram)

Act without a long delay. Prescribe them a Kinzhal, Zircon, or Kalibr pill—and at the same time test these missiles in combat conditions against surface targets.

"We will discuss [Russia's] shadow fleet, talking about freedom of navigation and maritime security. Our [EU naval force] Operation IRINI has changed the rules of engagement and has now begun inspecting ships," said EU Chief Diplomat Kaja Kallas upon arriving in Cyprus for an informal meeting of EU defense ministers.

The goal, Kallas clarified, is to change best practices—what different countries do with these ships—"because this really does pose a danger. And, of course, the goal is to stop Russia from financing this war."

Operation IRINI was launched in the Mediterranean on March 31, 2020, to inspect merchant vessels to prevent the illegal shipment of arms to Libya. However, it was unsuccessful. The operation has been extended until March 31, 2027. It was based on Resolution 2292, adopted by the UN Security Council on June 14, 2016, which specifically addressed Libya and its arms embargo. What implications does this have for the fleet transporting Russian oil?

Clearly, Russia needs to respond to Kallas's statement at the diplomatic level. It must declare that the European Union will not be able to cover up its piracy in the Mediterranean with UN Security Council Resolution 2292. It must also warn of a forceful response to these measures.

❖ We return again to the topic of protecting Russian maritime trade. Pirate attacks on our vessels and cargo are becoming more frequent—and, given Kallas's statement, increasingly organized. There is a clear trend toward deterioration, fueled in large part by Russia's lack of a strong response. Currently, the Russian Navy's capabilities to escort vessels operating in our interests are limited: too few ships for long-range maritime and oceanic zones and only one overseas naval base—in Tartus. Incidentally, in the Mediterranean. But this advantage is offset by the rather tenuous status of our residual military presence in Syria.

❖ So how should Russia respond? In response to the EU's piratical actions, our country can legally strike warships involved in these operations, using MiG-31K/I fighters and long-range aviation. The Kinzhal hypersonic missile has a range of 2,000 km and is capable of disabling any large warship. Sea-based cruise missiles, such as the Kalibr and Zircon, can be used.

The main thing here is not to trigger this European disease of arrogance. Act without a long delay. Prescribe them a Kinzhal, Zircon, or Kalibr pill—and at the same time test these missiles in combat conditions against surface targets. They've proven themselves to be effective against land targets.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Image: © Yoruk Isik/Reuters; NYT. In line with our policies, we address notices of alleged violations under the United States "Digital Millennium Copyright Act" (DMCA). If you believe that your copyright has been infringed on our site, please contact us, and we will promptly remove your photo from display. editor@a-w-i-p.com. AWIP: https://a-w-i-p.com/index.php/aY4r