Russia warns Estonia over seizure of Russia-bound oil tanker, cites risks to Baltic security

The Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned Estonia's recent detention of a Russia-bound oil tanker, labeling it a provocative action that threatens both shipping safety and regional security in the Baltic Sea.

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated on Thursday that Russia would respond proportionally to any aggressive acts against its vessels, underscoring the country's displeasure with Estonia's actions. The tanker in question, the Kiwala, was seized by Estonian authorities last week and had been under European Union sanctions since February.

The Kiwala is part of a fleet of vessels that Western countries have dubbed Russia's "shadow fleet," a group of ships they claim are used by Moscow to bypass international sanctions. These vessels are often not regulated or insured by conventional Western providers, making them a subject of scrutiny among European nations.

Zakharova's comments reflect the heightened tensions in the Baltic, where Russia has warned of potential consequences for actions it deems as provocations in its waters.

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