Ukraine has called for the expansion of the practice of confiscating vessels belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet following the seizure of the Caffa
Ukraine welcomes Sweden’s decision to seize the dry cargo ship Caffa, which is linked to the illegal export of Ukrainian grain from the temporarily occupied territories. Kyiv calls for the systematic application of such measures to counter Russia’s illicit schemes.
This was stated by Vladislav Vlasyuk, the President of Ukraine’s Representative on Sanctions Policy.
According to Vlasyuk, the Swedish decision sets an important precedent, as it goes beyond routine vessel detentions and leads to tangible legal consequences.
“Sweden’s decision to confiscate the dry cargo ship Caffa, which is linked to Russia’s shadow fleet and the illegal export of Ukrainian grain from the temporarily occupied territories, is a landmark precedent in the application of sanctions. This is no longer just a detention, but a transition to practical action,” he noted.
He emphasized that previously, such vessels had only faced temporary detentions or inspections, but confiscation significantly increases the risks for all participants in such schemes.
The Ukrainian side claims that Russia actively uses the so-called shadow fleet to illegally export resources, particularly grain, from the occupied territories. According to Vlasyuk, attempts are made to integrate such cargo into global markets through complex logistical and legal schemes.
Among common practices, he cited the disabling of transponders, the transshipment of cargo on the high seas, and the use of vessels with concealed or forged registration status.
“This allows the issue to be shifted from the political to the legal sphere,” the Commissioner noted.
Ukraine emphasizes that efforts to counter such schemes are already underway at the international level, particularly within the EU, G7 countries, and other jurisdictions.
“This is also a matter of principle: attempts to export and sell Ukrainian grain will not go unanswered, and efforts to hold perpetrators accountable will continue at the EU, G7, and other jurisdictional levels,” Vlasyuk emphasized.
The vessel Caffa was detained by the Swedish Coast Guard in March near the city of Trelleborg on suspicion of violating international shipping regulations. It is linked to the transport of Ukrainian grain from occupied territories and activities within the Russian Federation’s shadow fleet.
Swedish police reported that the vessel was sailing under a false flag and may have violated maritime law. Most of the crew were Russian citizens, and one crew member was charged.
Following a decision by the Swedish prosecutor’s office, the vessel was confiscated, marking one of the first such cases in the region.
Swedish police officially seized the vessel Caffa, which had been held in the country’s territorial waters for two months.
The National Police Operations Directorate is conducting a parallel investigation into the vessel itself, despite the fact that the captain, a Russian citizen, was released from custody a week ago. The captain of the Caffa had been in custody since March 10 on suspicion of using a forged document with aggravating circumstances. Authorities are refraining from further comment until the start of court hearings. The trial is expected to take place in the coming months.
Swedish police stated that the vessel, detained by Sweden in the waters of the Baltic Sea, was sailing under a false flag and was suspected of violating maritime law and national ship safety laws due to its unseaworthiness.
