In late May 2025, Russian naval activity around the Gulf of Finland escalated with increased escorts of commercial tankers suspected of shadow fleet operations. A key incident involved the crude oil tanker Agstar, previously flagged under Russia but now under the Comoros registry, escorted by Russian naval units. Finland’s Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen confirmed that Russian military aircraft have been observed near the area, and described the escort as unprecedented and aggressive Russian behavior disrupting Baltic maritime security. Estonia’s navy is actively tracking such ships. Russian special forces reportedly tried to board the Agstar but were stopped by Estonian naval vessels. Finnish and Estonian officials continue to closely monitor and document these actions, emphasizing the political sensitivity and risk involved in these shadow fleet transits through restricted waters. This development signals growing maritime security tensions between Russia and Baltic coastal states.

In late May 2025, Russian naval activity around the Gulf of Finland escalated with increased escorts of commercial tankers suspected of shadow fleet operations. A key incident involved the crude oil tanker Agstar, previously flagged under Russia but now under the Comoros registry, escorted by Russian naval units. Finland’s Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen confirmed that Russian military aircraft have been observed near the area, and described the escort as unprecedented and aggressive Russian behavior disrupting Baltic maritime security. Estonia’s navy is actively tracking such ships. Russian special forces reportedly tried to board the Agstar but were stopped by Estonian naval vessels. Finnish and Estonian officials continue to closely monitor and document these actions, emphasizing the political sensitivity and risk involved in these shadow fleet transits through restricted waters. This development signals growing maritime security tensions between Russia and Baltic coastal states.