BREAKING: Sweden is urging more EU countries to board and inspect ships suspected of being part of Russia's shadow fleet arguing that support for Ukraine must be backed by action, not just words.
In a letter to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard and Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin called on EU governments to take a tougher approach toward vessels which help Moscow circumvent Western sanctions.
"We urge other EU countries to live up to the beautiful words delivered in meetings and interviews about standing up for Ukraine. They must also do so in action," Stenergard said.
Asked whether other countries should begin boarding such vessels, she replied: "Start boarding in accordance with international law."
Swedish authorities have boarded five suspected shadow fleet vessels since March. According to Stockholm, the operations have already had an impact, with some ships reportedly altering routes to avoid Swedish territorial waters.
However, Sweden says rerouting alone is not enough and wants other European countries to inspect and take action against vessels that pass through their waters.
When asked whether Sweden had received any response from its European partners, she said:
"Not much response yet, but I hope that even if they don't say it publicly, they take note of this. It is actually a criticism of not doing enough, and I hope they start considering whether they should contribute to a greater extent themselves."