Sweden is strengthening control over ships in the Baltic Sea to combat Russia's "shadow fleet".

From July 1, the Swedish authorities will require insurance data for all ships passing through the country's territorial waters and economic zone, not just those docking in ports. The measure is aimed at combating the so-called "shadow fleet" of Russia - a flotilla of ships that Moscow uses to circumvent international sanctions, including the oil embargo.

These ships often move with their transponders turned off, without clear insurance coverage and with opaque ownership. According to the spokesman of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, the new measures aim to increase maritime safety, protect the environment and demonstrate a firm Swedish presence in the Baltic Sea.

The additional information collected by the Swedish services will enable the identification of new ships to be included in the general sanctions lists - both by Sweden and by allied countries in the EU and NATO. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer stressed that the "shadow fleet" violates international rules and poses a real threat to security.

In this context, Germany has also announced an increase in patrols in the Baltic Sea to counter "hybrid threats". Meanwhile, on May 20, the EU adopted the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, including 200 ships from the Russian "shadow fleet" used for oil smuggling in violation of the embargo.

Sweden and Europe are sending a clear signal: circumventing sanctions will not go without consequences. The Baltic Sea is becoming an internal sea of the European Union and NATO.