Latest news with #Gabon-flagged


Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Russian and NATO fighter jets nearly started a war in Europe — here's what happened, and it's very alarming
Russian and NATO fighter jets clash as allied forces try to board Moscow oil tanker in high-stakes naval showdown- A tense clash unfolded above the Baltic Sea when Russian and NATO fighter jets scrambled after Estonian forces attempted to board the Russian-bound oil tanker Jaguar . This Gabon-flagged tanker is believed to be part of Vladimir Putin's shadow fleet, which Moscow uses to bypass international sanctions. Estonia deployed patrol vessels, helicopters, and surveillance aircraft to intercept the vessel, which ultimately refused to cooperate and sailed to Russian waters near Gogland Island. The incident marks a serious escalation between Russia and NATO in a highly sensitive region amid ongoing Ukraine peace talks and growing military tensions near the Finnish border. Why did NATO and Russia scramble jets over the Baltic Sea? The clash began when Estonian naval forces tried to board the Jaguar , a crude oil tanker suspected of evading Western sanctions. Poland's MiG-29 fighters and a Russian Su-35S fighter jet scrambled over the Gulf of Finland to monitor the standoff. Russia's Su-35 reportedly crossed into Estonian airspace while protecting the tanker, prompting Estonia to summon the Russian Chargé d'Affaires and lodge a formal protest. This incident highlights rising military tensions as Estonia insisted on stricter sanctions against Russia. What makes the oil tanker Jaguar part of Putin's shadow fleet? The Jaguar is flagged under Gabon but has reportedly changed its name and flag several times, showing up in databases as Argent under Guinea-Bissau's flag. It's part of a network of non-Russian tankers Moscow uses to move oil despite sanctions. Britain recently sanctioned the vessel, intensifying efforts to crack down on these ships. Estonian authorities aimed to verify the tanker's documents due to concerns it threatened their critical infrastructure, but the vessel denied cooperation and continued toward Russia's Primorsk port. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Colombia: Nueva oportunidad de inversión en Miami Financiación Empresarial Más información Undo How did Estonia try to stop the tanker, and what happened? Estonian patrol vessels tried to steer the tanker off course, while a helicopter and surveillance planes circled overhead. According to footage and Russian voices recorded on the tanker, Estonian forces were called 'clowns' for failing to board the ship. Despite the show of force, the tanker reached Russian-controlled waters near Gogland Island safely. Estonia claimed its goal was to protect its infrastructure and verify the ship's nationality. Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said the operation 'achieved' its aim by escorting the ship into Russian waters. What does this mean for Russia-NATO tensions in the Baltic region? This incident is one of the most serious military confrontations between Russia and NATO in the Baltic Sea in recent times. It follows satellite images showing a buildup of Russian troops near the Finnish border and military infrastructure expansion in the northwest. NATO countries remain on alert, worried about possible attacks on the Baltic states, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Experts warn Putin could launch limited attacks to create confusion within NATO, which may complicate the alliance's response. Live Events How does this standoff relate to the ongoing Ukraine peace talks? The naval clash comes as Putin skipped high-profile peace talks in Istanbul with Ukraine, sending lower-level delegates instead. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has refused to negotiate with anyone but Putin directly. The standoff over the Jaguar highlights the broader mistrust and tensions surrounding Russia's military moves and diplomatic efforts. Western leaders, including US and European officials, have threatened tighter sanctions on Russia if the conflict continues without progress toward peace. FAQs: Q1: What caused the clash between Russian and NATO fighter jets over the Baltic Sea? A1: NATO jets scrambled to support Estonia's attempt to board the Russian-shadow fleet tanker Jaguar , leading to a confrontation with Russian Su-35 fighters. Q2: Why is the tanker Jaguar important in this naval showdown? A2: The Jaguar is part of Russia's shadow fleet used to evade international oil sanctions, making it a target for NATO's enforcement efforts.

LBCI
06-03-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Russia ships diesel to Syria on tanker under US sanctions, data shows: Reuters
Russia shipped a diesel cargo to Syria onboard a tanker under U.S. sanctions, the first known such direct supply to the Middle Eastern country in more than a decade, LSEG data showed. The final destination of the cargo is unclear. Russia has two main military installations in Syria: an air base in Hmeimim and a naval base in Tartus, integral to Russia's military reach in the Middle East and Africa. Russia's control over the bases is under threat following the sudden fall of Bashar al-Assad last year. Moscow has said it wanted to keep its hold over them. According to LSEG data, the Barbados-flagged vessel Prosperity (previously known as Gabon-flagged NS Pride) was loaded with about 37,000 metric tons of ultra-low sulphur diesel at the Russian Baltic port of Primorsk on February 8. The tanker, managed by the Dubai-based Fornax Ship Management, is anchored near the Syrian port of Banias, LSEG shipping data shows. Fornax itself is also under the U.S. sanctions. The company was not immediately available for comment. Reuters


Arab News
06-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Russia ships diesel to Syria on tanker under US sanctions, data shows
According to LSEG data, the Barbados-flagged vessel Prosperity was loaded with about 37,000 metric tons of ultra-low sulfur dieselThe tanker is anchored near the Syrian port of Banias, LSEG shipping data showsMOSCOW/BEIRUT: Russia shipped a diesel cargo to Syria onboard a tanker under US sanctions, the first known such direct supply to the Middle Eastern country in more than a decade, LSEG data final destination of the cargo is unclear. Russia has two main military installations in Syria: an air base in Hmeimim and a naval base in Tartous, integral to Russia's military reach in the Middle East and control over the bases is under threat following the sudden fall of Bashar Assad last year. Moscow has said it wanted to keep its hold over to LSEG data, the Barbados-flagged vessel Prosperity (previously known as Gabon-flagged NS Pride) was loaded with about 37,000 metric tons of ultra-low sulfur diesel at the Russian Baltic port of Primorsk on Feb. tanker is anchored near the Syrian port of Banias, LSEG shipping data shows. Fornax itself is also under the US sanctions. The company was not immediately available for sanctions on Russia since the start of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine have included measures aimed at limiting revenues from the country's huge oil and gas industry and weakening its ability to fund the military United States on January 10 added the Prosperity to the list of sanctioned vessels, which includes some 180 tankers, involved in the export of Russian oil products following its war in Ukraine. The EU and the UK followed suit on February of the US sanctions programs may result in civil and, in some cases, criminal one such case, US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)announcedlast year a settlement of $7.45 million with the State Street Bank for 'apparent violations' of the Russia and Ukraine-related the same time, the US issued a six-month waiver to its Syria sanctions, focused on the energy sector and financial transfers to Syrian governing oil ministry officials did not immediately respond to text messages seeking comment. Russia's energy ministry declined to is the first direct diesel shipment from Russia to Syria since at least 2013, according to LSEG also issued an import tender for 20,000 tons of LPG and was seeking to import oil as no crude shipments have arrived from Iran, its key supplier, since November, according to data from shipping analytics firm has two oil refineries, located in Homs and Banias, which ceased operating after Assad's shipped a diesel cargo to Syria onboard a tanker under US sanctions, the first known such direct supply to the Middle Eastern country in more than a decade, LSEG data showed. (AP)
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Exclusive-Russia ships diesel to Syria on tanker under U.S. sanctions, data shows
MOSCOW/BEIRUT (Reuters) - Russia shipped a diesel cargo to Syria onboard a tanker under U.S. sanctions, the first known such direct supply to the Middle Eastern country in more than a decade, LSEG data showed. The final destination of the cargo is unclear. Russia has two main military installations in Syria: an air base in Hmeimim and a naval base in Tartous, integral to Russia's military reach in the Middle East and Africa. Russia's control over the bases is under threat following the sudden fall of Bashar al-Assad last year. Moscow has said it wanted to keep its hold over them. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. According to LSEG data, the Barbados-flagged vessel Prosperity (previously known as Gabon-flagged NS Pride) was loaded with about 37,000 metric tons of ultra-low sulphur diesel at the Russian Baltic port of Primorsk on February 8. The tanker, managed by the Dubai-based Fornax Ship Management, is anchored near the Syrian port of Banias, LSEG shipping data shows. Fornax itself is also under the U.S. sanctions. The company was not immediately available for comment. U.S. sanctions on Russia since the start of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine have included measures aimed at limiting revenues from the country's huge oil and gas industry and weakening its ability to fund the military efforts. The United States on January 10 added the Prosperity to the list of sanctioned vessels, which includes some 180 tankers, involved in the export of Russian oil products following its war in Ukraine. The EU and the UK followed suit on February 24. Violations of the U.S. sanctions programs may result in civil and, in some cases, criminal penalties. In one such case, U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced last year a settlement of $7.45 million with the State Street Bank for "apparent violations" of the Russia and Ukraine-related sanctions. At the same time, the U.S. issued a six-month waiver to its Syria sanctions, focused on the energy sector and financial transfers to Syrian governing authorities. Syrian oil ministry officials did not immediately respond to text messages seeking comment. Russia's energy ministry declined to comment. This is the first direct diesel shipment from Russia to Syria since at least 2013, according to LSEG data. Syria also issued an import tender for 20,000 tons of LPG and was seeking to import oil as no crude shipments have arrived from Iran, its key supplier, since November, according to data from shipping analytics firm Kpler. Syria has two oil refineries, located in Homs and Banias, which ceased operating after Assad's fall.


Reuters
06-03-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Exclusive: Russia ships diesel to Syria on tanker under U.S. sanctions, data shows
MOSCOW/BEIRUT, March 6 (Reuters) - Russia shipped a diesel cargo to Syria onboard a tanker under U.S. sanctions, the first known such direct supply to the Middle Eastern country in more than a decade, LSEG data showed. The final destination of the cargo is unclear. Russia has two main military installations in Syria: an air base in Hmeimim and a naval base in Tartous, integral to Russia's military reach in the Middle East and Africa. Russia's control over the bases is under threat following the sudden fall of Bashar al-Assad last year. Moscow has said it wanted to keep its hold over them. According to LSEG data, the Barbados-flagged vessel Prosperity (previously known as Gabon-flagged NS Pride) was loaded with about 37,000 metric tons of ultra-low sulphur diesel at the Russian Baltic port of Primorsk on February 8. The tanker, managed by the Dubai-based Fornax Ship Management, is anchored near the Syrian port of Banias, LSEG shipping data shows. Fornax itself is also under the U.S. sanctions. The company was not immediately available for comment. U.S. sanctions on Russia since the start of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine have included measures aimed at limiting revenues from the country's huge oil and gas industry and weakening its ability to fund the military efforts. The United States on January 10 added the Prosperity to the list of sanctioned vessels, which includes some 180 tankers, involved in the export of Russian oil products following its war in Ukraine. The EU and the UK followed suit on February 24. Violations of the U.S. sanctions programs may result in civil and, in some cases, criminal penalties. In one such case, U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced, opens new tab last year a settlement of $7.45 million with the State Street Bank for "apparent violations" of the Russia and Ukraine-related sanctions. At the same time, the U.S. issued a six-month waiver to its Syria sanctions, focused on the energy sector and financial transfers to Syrian governing authorities. Syrian oil ministry officials did not immediately respond to text messages seeking comment. Russia's energy ministry declined to comment. This is the first direct diesel shipment from Russia to Syria since at least 2013, according to LSEG data. Syria also issued an import tender for 20,000 tons of LPG and was seeking to import oil as no crude shipments have arrived from Iran, its key supplier, since November, according to data from shipping analytics firm Kpler. Syria has two oil refineries, located in Homs and Banias, which ceased operating after Assad's fall.