Conspiracy Theories Exploring The Unseen
Under the Waves_ Russia's Submarine Strategy for Tanker Protection (1)
10 Jan 2026
Chapter 1: What recent actions has Russia taken to protect its tankers?
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Chapter 2: What is the significance of Russia's shadow fleet?
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Welcome back to the Fortune Factor podcast. Today, we dive into a topic that's making waves in international maritime security. Russia's increasing use of submarines and naval escorts to protect its tankers, particularly those from its so-called shadow fleet. This practice is not just about protecting ships. It carries significant geopolitical implications that we need to unpack.
Chapter 3: How does Russia's submarine deployment challenge international norms?
First off, let's paint a picture of what's happening. In June 2025, something notable occurred in the English Channel. Russia deployed the Sterogushchi-class corvette Boyki to escort two tankers, Selva and Sierra, both of which were under international sanctions. This was the first time a Russian warship had taken such action in these waters. and it set off alarm bells among Western nations.
Before this, in May 2025, Russian military ships started escorting its shadow fleet tankers through the Gulf of Finland, a move described by Finland's defense minister as unprecedented. He emphasized the presence of armed forces alongside commercial tankers, showcasing a new level of military assertiveness on Russia's part.
In January 2026, in response to increased military pressure from the U.S., Russia took it a step further, deploying a submarine to protect the oil tanker Marinara across the North Atlantic. These moves highlight a strategic shift in how Russia intends to operate in global trade routes. Now, what exactly is this shadow fleet?
Chapter 4: What insights do experts provide on Russia's naval strategy?
It's a network of numerous tankers sailing under various foreign flags designed specifically to circumvent sanctions. While exact numbers are murky, it's clear this fleet is extensive and safeguarding it is becoming a top priority for Moscow. But how does this all tie into the bigger picture? The deployment of submarines and warships isn't just about protection.
It's a direct challenge to international maritime norms. From Russia's perspective, this is a legitimate exercise of its naval power, meant to secure its commercial interests and assert strength in international waters. In contrast, Western nations see it as a provocative move that threatens global security.
has responded by seizing Russian flag tankers to maintain pressure and disrupt illicit oil trading practices. To help us understand these nuances, we have insights from experts like Mark Douglas, a maritime analyst who has closely monitored Russia's naval activities.
His assessments help paint a clearer picture of the implications behind these military movements and how they could reshape international relations.
Chapter 5: What are the implications of Russia's actions for global maritime security?
Historically, nations have utilized their naval forces to protect commercial shipping, particularly during times of conflict or under sanctions. Russia's recent actions are a reflection of this trend, but are delivered with an unprecedented assertiveness, showing a willingness to protect its interests aggressively. So what are the key takeaways?
Russia's deployment of submarines to escort tankers reveals a tense, complex interaction between national interests and international law. This trend is likely to impact ongoing discussions about sanctions enforcement and global maritime security. As we wrap up today's episode, it's clear that this issue of naval escorts and shadow fleets is more than just a maritime challenge.
It's a significant piece of the global geopolitical puzzle. Thanks for joining the Fortune Factor podcast.