Tensions Rise as Russia Condemns EU's Naval Inspections in Mediterranean

Russia strongly criticized the EU's decision to deploy military vessels in the Mediterranean to inspect ships suspected of transporting Russian oil. The EU expanded Operation IRINI's mandate, initially focused on enforcing an arms embargo on Libya. Russia claims this action violates international law and threatens maritime security.

The Russian government lashed out on Wednesday against the European Union's authorization of military vessels in the Mediterranean. The move aims to intercept and inspect ships allegedly carrying Russian oil under a so-called 'shadow fleet.'

Russia, which perceives the effort as a maritime security threat, vows to take necessary legal and political measures to safeguard its interests.

Operation IRINI, initially launched to uphold a U.N. arms embargo on Libya, now has an expanded mandate for oil-related inspections – a move Russia deems illegal under international law.