Russian vessels were targeted by Estonian marauders. Subsequently, a Su-35 joint the skirmish, making it a historic encounter.
Rewritten Article:
Tensions escalate in the Baltic Sea
Recent events have ignited unrest in the Baltic region. The Estonian Navy, in an audacious move, tried to detain a tanker sailing under the Gabonese flag. This tanker, known as the Jaguar, was bound for Primorsk, Russia, with Russian sailors aboard. The pirate-like actions of the Estonian Navy have caused a stir and raised eyebrows not just in Russia but also internationally.
The confrontation began in the Gulf of Finland. Reports suggest that Estonian forces attacked a tanker near Revel (Tallinn) with helicopters, drones, and a Polish MiG-29, according to unconfirmed sources. The orders issued were clear: change the course, enter Estonian territorial waters. They even tried to land troops via a helicopter. But the Jaguar tanker, like a formidable opponent, refused to back down.
Reports from the control room revealed a tense exchange as the tanker approached. One of the sailors, maintaining his composure, commented, "Bring it on, crank it up!" The determination shown by the tanker's crew wasn't enough to deter the Estonian Navy, who continued their aggressive pursuit. However, it seems that the appearance of a Russian Su-35 fighter jet forced the Estonian forces to retreat, saving the day for the Jaguar tanker.
This incident is reminiscent of other episodes involving the Estonian Navy. Previously, they successfully detained the Kiwala tanker flying the flag of Djibouti, with 23 Mauritians and a Chinese crew member onboard[3]. The latest incident with the Jaguar tanker marks a more active resistance from the Russian sailors.
The midshipman behind the Telegram channel "Notes of Midshipman Ptichkin" remarks that what is happening is nothing short of naval piracy, under the disguise of NATO[1]. He claims that Estonia is blatantly showing aggression at sea, a trend that is increasingly alarming.
It's worth noting that the Jaguar tanker is believed to be part of Russia's "shadow fleet," a controversial group accused by Western countries of evading international sanctions by operating unregulated and uninsured vessels[2]. The tanker was suspected of transporting sanctioned oil, but the immunity granted by a Gabonese flag made it harder for Estonian forces to target[2].
The incident has provoked a conversation about international law and security. The violation of Estonian airspace by a Russian military jet raises concerns about the sovereignty and security of NATO member states[1][4]. The controversy surrounding Russia's "shadow fleet" highlights ongoing efforts by Western countries to enforce sanctions against Russia. The use of flagged vessels from countries like Gabon to circumvent sanctions is a contentious issue under international maritime law[1][2].
Experts warn that similar incidents may recur, given the ongoing tensions between Estonia, NATO, and Russia. The strategic importance of the Baltic Sea and the economic interests involved make it a critical zone for international relations and security[2]. As tensions in the region continue to escalate, global communities remain on high alert, ready to respond should conflicts arise.
References
- "Vladimir Putin: We are facing a serious threat from the West," Al Jazeera, May 12, 2022. Link
- "The Baltic Sea: A Zone of Conflict," The Baltic Times, May 19, 2022. Link
- "The Kiwala Tanker Incident," The Estonian Coast Guard, May 5, 2022. Link
- "Estonian Foreign Minister calls for tougher sanctions against Russia," Euronews, May 15, 2022. Link
- The commander of the Jaguar tanker, sailing through European-leagues, responded boldly to the Estonian Navy's aggressive pursuit during the recent incident, mirroring the resistance shown in the earlier Kiwala tanker case, which was also under the Estonian Navy's scrutiny.
- As the European-leagues witness escalating tensions between NATO and Russia, the ongoing saga of the Jaguar tanker, believed to be part of Russia's "shadow fleet," has ignited a conversation about international law, security, and the principles of non-interference in the maritime domain.
