- Russian mercenaries, including members of the Wagner group, have been identified guarding sanctioned Russian oil tankers passing through the English Channel .
- An investigation found 83 security guards on these tankers, with 18 confirmed to have ties to the Wagner group and others linked to Russian intelligence.
- These tankers have reportedly made 189 journeys through British waters since 2023, despite the UK announcing powers to board such vessels.
- The EU has expanded its naval mission, Operation IRINI, to allow military vessels in the Mediterranean to inspect foreign ships suspected of being part of the 'shadow fleet'.
- Russia 's Foreign Ministry has condemned the EU's actions as a threat to maritime security, warning of potential retaliatory measures.
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