Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has reshaped Europe’s geopolitical landscape, but its consequences extend far beyond the battlefield. At sea, Moscow is circumventing international sanctions through the use of aging, uninsured, and flagless vessels that pose serious environmental and maritime security risks. These “shadow fleets” transport Russian oil to European ports despite embargoes, creating a ticking ecological time bomb. The Ecological Danger and Sanctions EvasionAging Ships: A Ticking Environmental Time Bomb The vessels Russia uses to bypass sanctions are often over 20 years old—well beyond their intended lifespan. Their deteriorating condition significantly increases the risk of accidents, oil spills, and catastrophic marine pollution. In January 2025, the Russian cargo ship Eventin, a vessel over 30 years old, drifted uncontrollably in the Baltic Sea after a mechanical failure. While the incident did not result in an environmental disaster, it exposed the vulnerability of European waters to these “rust buckets.” Even more alarming, many of these ships lack proper insurance, meaning that in the event of an oil spill, the financial burden of cleanup would fall on coastal states. The Baltic, Mediterranean, and English Channel—all ecologically sensitive regions—could suffer irreversible damage. The Uninsured Ship Crisis: A Systemic Risk One of the most concerning …