Any Danish action that restricts Russian ships in the Baltic Sea will be seen as hostile and lead to retaliation, states a spokesperson for the Russian foreign minister according to Reuters on Friday.

It is not yet clear on what basis the Russian statement comes from.

Worn-out Russian oil ships are operating in the Baltic Sea.

A number of media outlets have previously described challenges with the ships, which are used by Russia to circumvent international sanctions.

The ships, which often have unknown insurance and ownership, also sail through Danish waters. They are often referred to as the Russian shadow fleet.

In March, it was reported that since New Year, at least 15 Russian tankers with oil on board had refused Danish help to navigate them through Danish waters. Contrary to international recommendations.

Translated using DeepL with additional editing by Kristoffer Grønbæk