Russia disputes EU maritime inspections as US sanctions threaten energy security

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the European Union lacks the authority to inspect vessels carrying cargo intended for Russian interests. Moscow claims the EU is utilizing the IRINI Operation—originally mandated by the UN Security Council to monitor arms embargoes and illegal oil exports in Libya—to intimidate commercial carriers and obstruct freedom of navigation. Russia asserts that the specific mandates for the operation expired in May.

Simultaneously, energy security concerns are rising in Turkey due to potential US economic measures. A proposed US Senate bill, described as the ‘Bone Crusher Act,’ would grant President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on products from countries that continue to purchase oil and gas from Russia. While Turkey has been reducing its reliance on Russian crude—with its share of imports dropping from 56.4% in 2024 to 40% in May 2026—the country remains heavily dependent on Russian energy, leaving it vulnerable to US policy decisions.