⚡️ MORE - For the first time, a Russian warship openly escorted tankers from the 'shadow fleet' through the English Channel, Mark Douglas of Starboard Maritime Intelligence reported.

He explained that AIS data revealed coordinated movements between two tankers and a Russian warship starting June 16, indicating "deliberate timing to allow all three vessels to transit simultaneously, en route to load oil in Russia."

Douglas noted that Russia has moved to openly defend its 'shadow fleet' with naval force "following Estonia's boardings and growing scrutiny from EU states."