Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of using vessels belonging to its 'shadow fleet' to gather intelligence and for sabotage efforts. Following a meeting with head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service Oleh Ivashchenko on Tuesday, Zelenskyy said through the US social media company X that the government body is actively working with Kyiv's partners to prevent Russia from using its 'shadow fleet' vessels for sabotage or 'other attempts to destabilize Europe.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy stated that the Russians are deploying tankers not only to generate revenue for the war but also for intelligence gathering and sabotage activities. He emphasized that these activities can be stopped. He further mentioned that Kyiv is providing all necessary information to its partners and expects that efforts to counter Russia in this regard will be 'significantly strengthened.'

Zelenskyy added that he instructed Ivashchenko to continue working with Ukraine's partners in areas that can provide the war-torn country with 'more tangible deliveries' of the weapons and equipment it needs. In a later evening video address, Zelenskyy highlighted the 'recent launches of drones from tankers' as an example of Moscow's 'sabotage and various destabilization attempts in Europe.'

He stressed the importance of sharing information with partners and urged them to take tangible steps in response to Russia's actions. Zelenskyy indicated that ongoing efforts are in place at all levels, and there will be further meetings and negotiations with Ukraine's partners, both publicly and behind closed doors.

Russian authorities have not immediately commented on Zelenskyy's accusations. In the wake of Western sanctions due to the ongoing Ukraine war, Russia is said to have developed a network of oil tankers to circumvent international sanctions and maintain global oil sales - the so-called 'shadow fleet.'