Sun May 18 17:21:38 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Russia detained a Greek oil tanker, the Green Admire, sailing under a Liberian flag, after it left the Estonian port of Sillamae on a route agreed upon by Russia, Estonia, and Finland that transits Russian waters. In response, Estonia will redirect maritime traffic to and from Sillamae exclusively through Estonian waters to prevent future incidents. This incident follows Estonia’s attempt to stop a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker and Russia’s subsequent airspace violation.

**News Article:**

**Estonia Reroutes Maritime Traffic After Russia Detains Oil Tanker**

**Tallinn, Estonia** – Estonia has announced a change in its maritime traffic routing following the detention of a Greek oil tanker, the Green Admire, by Russia. The tanker, sailing under the Liberian flag, was seized after departing from the Estonian port of Sillamae on a route that passed through Russian waters, according to the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry stated that the route was established under an agreement between Russia, Estonia, and Finland. The Green Admire was carrying shale oil destined for Rotterdam, Netherlands.

In response to the incident, Estonia will now redirect all traffic to and from Sillamae to navigate exclusively through Estonian waters. “Today’s incident shows that Russia continues to behave unpredictably,” stated Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who also informed Estonia’s NATO allies of the situation.

This event follows a recent attempt by the Estonian navy to halt an unflagged tanker, believed to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which is used to circumvent Western sanctions on Russian oil exports imposed after the invasion of Ukraine. Russia responded to this attempt by sending a fighter jet to escort the tanker, violating Estonian airspace.

While vessels typically transit Russian waters to avoid Estonia’s shallow coastal waters, the incident has prompted Estonia to prioritize security and avoid further confrontations. Estonian Public Broadcasting reported that such incidents have not occurred before.

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