Fourteen countries have warned Russia that its “shadow fleet” tankers will no longer be able to sail freely in the Baltic Sea. A joint statement by Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and the UK was published on the British government’s website. The countries said that tankers that change flags, switch off transponders, and/or lack the required documentation will be considered vessels without state affiliation and may be detained without legal consequences. The signatories also accused Russia of interfering with global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), which are used for ship navigation and precise time synchronization critical for rescue operations. “These interferences originating from the Russian Federation impair the safety of international shipping. All ships are at risk. The falsification or manipulation of AIS data also undermines safety and security at sea, increases the risk of accidents, and seriously complicates rescue operations,” the statement said. United24