https://www.yahoo.com/news/russia-signal...00197.html
The arrival of the Russian fighter does not, of itself, demonstrate that Russia is "ready for war" if "the west" seizes a tanker flying no flag inside the EEZ of a "member" state. The Estonian warship did not proceed with the action because it didn't want to risk that Russia was quite willing to sink it. In fact, Russia is very sure such an action will not start a war. Estonia will not attack Russia over it. It would however greatly increase tensions in an already tense situation.
Situations like this unfortunately invite a collision of NATO forces with Russian forces. IMO it is much safer for all concerned that seizing these "shadow fleet" ships take place as far from any Russian forces as possible. The IO is such a place. If the Russians are willing to put Russian flags on these ships, the "west" would be in no position to seize them. It would however put countries like India in a position of openly violating sanctions, a place it really doesn't want to be.
As we in the US, of all peoples, should understand, Russia is attempting to use "neutral" ships to carry otherwise "banned" goods between Russia and "neutral" nations. This practice goes back to at least the 1600s. In this case the vessels involved are clearly operating under Russian control and are Russian owned. Historically such a situation has always resulted in the "neutrality" of the vessels involved in such trade being stripped away, especially when the opponents (in this case, "the west") have the capability to do so in waters where intervention by the targeted belligerent is almost impossible. Hard to imagine this case will eventually be any different. Yes, it is risky, but there are no obvious alternatives.
The arrival of the Russian fighter does not, of itself, demonstrate that Russia is "ready for war" if "the west" seizes a tanker flying no flag inside the EEZ of a "member" state. The Estonian warship did not proceed with the action because it didn't want to risk that Russia was quite willing to sink it. In fact, Russia is very sure such an action will not start a war. Estonia will not attack Russia over it. It would however greatly increase tensions in an already tense situation.
Situations like this unfortunately invite a collision of NATO forces with Russian forces. IMO it is much safer for all concerned that seizing these "shadow fleet" ships take place as far from any Russian forces as possible. The IO is such a place. If the Russians are willing to put Russian flags on these ships, the "west" would be in no position to seize them. It would however put countries like India in a position of openly violating sanctions, a place it really doesn't want to be.
As we in the US, of all peoples, should understand, Russia is attempting to use "neutral" ships to carry otherwise "banned" goods between Russia and "neutral" nations. This practice goes back to at least the 1600s. In this case the vessels involved are clearly operating under Russian control and are Russian owned. Historically such a situation has always resulted in the "neutrality" of the vessels involved in such trade being stripped away, especially when the opponents (in this case, "the west") have the capability to do so in waters where intervention by the targeted belligerent is almost impossible. Hard to imagine this case will eventually be any different. Yes, it is risky, but there are no obvious alternatives.