Estonia captures Russian tanker, Su-35 immediately takes off

The Estonian navy attempted to seize a Russian-bound oil tanker that is currently under British sanctions, claiming it was illegally sailing without a flag. However, when the ship refused to cooperate, Estonia did not board it and instead escorted it out of the area and into Russian waters, the navy said. Illustrative photo

The Jaguar, which Britain added to its sanctions list on May 9, is one of around 100 vessels in Russia’s “shadow fleet” – a term Western countries use to describe vessels Moscow has accused of using to evade international sanctions. These vessels are often not regulated or insured by Western agencies. Photo: EPA

The Jaguar was near Naissaar Island, off the coast of Estonia’s capital Tallinn, when the Estonian navy made radio contact on the afternoon of May 13, Commander Ivo Värk said. Since the vessel “has no nationality,” Estonia “is obliged to verify the ship’s documentation and legal status,” he added. Photo: Top War

“The ship refused to cooperate and continued its journey towards Russia… given the ship’s unclear nationality, the use of force – including boarding – was deemed unnecessary,” said Ivo Värk. Photo: Fakti.bg

An Estonian patrol boat escorted the Jaguar until it entered Russian waters, Commander Värk added. On social media X, Estonia’s foreign minister said Russia “should face stronger, faster sanctions” in response. “Through the subsequent information campaign, Russia has clearly linked itself to the ‘dark fleet,’” Margus Tsahkna wrote. The Estonian defense ministry declined to comment. Photo: Top War

According to data from Marine Traffic, the Jaguar was anchored near the Russian port of Primorsk on May 14. The ship is registered there under the flag of the central African nation of Gabon. Photo: Reuters

Värk told Reuters about a video posted on social media X that allegedly shows the attempt to board the ship – but could not be independently verified. The video, shot from the deck of a tanker with the same identification number as the Jaguar, shows a naval patrol boat, a helicopter and a patrol plane nearby. Photo: Top War

“This is an Estonian warship… follow my instructions, change course immediately to 105,” a voice said over the radio. Another voice said in Russian, out of frame: “There are helicopters coming, they ask us to anchor.” A military fighter jet – a type that Estonia does not possess – was also seen flying near the area. Photo: ERR

Commander Värk did not answer questions about whether the incident was related to the alleged violation of Estonian airspace on May 13 by a Russian Su-35 fighter jet, which prompted a diplomatic protest from Estonia. On the X platform, Margarita Simonyan, head of Russia’s state-run RT news agency, who posted the video, said the fighter jet in the video was a Russian Su-35, which was sent to prevent the ship from being seized. Photo: Top War

In a previous incident on April 11, Estonia detained and boarded another Russian-bound tanker, the Kiwala, on the grounds that it was not flying a valid flag. However, the ship cooperated and was released after two weeks. Photo: Estonia Navy

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/estonia-bat-tau-cho-dau-nga-su-35-lap-tuc-xuat-kich-post1541670.html