The Kremlin is placing mobile fire groups, large-caliber weapons, and other special equipment on civilian tankers of the "shadow fleet," which increases the risk of naval incidents and may deprive such vessels of their civilian status. This was reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, as conveyed by UNN.
Details
According to the FIS, this policy of Russia is causing dissatisfaction even among the captains of the "shadow fleet." In particular, a collective appeal from 14 captains to Russian presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev has been recorded, condemning the decision to place military personnel and weapons on board civilian vessels.
According to the sailors themselves, the presence of armed individuals could lead to the vessels losing their civilian status and being recognized as auxiliary military assets or legitimate military targets in the event of an incident.
The FIS notes that this could also significantly complicate the entry of "shadow fleet" vessels into ports in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as lead to the cancellation of insurance policies from international P&I Clubs.
Despite this, according to Ukrainian intelligence, Russian special services continue to train fighters from private military companies to operate on board such vessels as part of armed groups of 4–5 people.
In addition to the already known PMCs "Moran Security" and "RSB-Group," the company "Katenka," registered in Murmansk, is also involved in this process,
According to the FIS, in 2025-2026, the presence of mercenaries from Russian PMCs was recorded on at least 16 vessels of Russia's "shadow fleet."