Portugal’s Navy ramps up tracking of Russian ships amid Ukraine war tensions
The Portuguese Navy has stepped up its monitoring of Russian vessels in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Over the past two years, its operations have tracked hundreds of ships, including those linked to Russia’s so-called 'shadow fleet'. These missions form part of broader efforts to safeguard national waters and uphold international commitments.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Portuguese Navy has carried out 191 missions. These operations involved 2,900 military personnel and covered a distance of over 6,815 nautical miles. In 2025 alone, 58 missions were conducted, totaling 606 hours of surveillance.
During these patrols, the Navy monitored 212 Russian Federation vessels. Among them, 69 were tracked in 2025. Many of these ships belong to Russia’s 'shadow fleet'—a network of tankers operating under flags of convenience with unclear ownership. This fleet is used to export oil above international price caps, helping fund the war effort in Ukraine. The Navy’s work also supports Portugal’s obligations under the North Atlantic Alliance. Beyond security concerns, the operations protect critical underwater infrastructure and enforce environmental safeguards within Portugal’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
The increased surveillance reflects Portugal’s focus on maritime security amid geopolitical tensions. By tracking Russian vessels, the Navy aims to counter sanctions evasion and maintain stability in its waters. These efforts will likely continue as long as the conflict in Ukraine persists.
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