Greece, a long-standing EU and NATO member, has often taken an unconventional path when it comes to energy policy, particularly its relationship with Russian oil. While officially aligned with Western strategies, recent developments suggest Athens may be quietly carving out its lane.
The Mysterious Case of the Vilamoura
The latest twist in this unfolding drama centers around the Vilamoura, an oil tanker that recently suffered a major explosion off the Libyan coast. Carrying approximately 1 million barrels of crude oil, the ship’s engine room was reportedly flooded in the blast. Fortunately, there were no casualties or environmental damage. The vessel is now en route to a Greek port for a so-called “damage assessment.”
But questions linger. The Vilamoura had recently visited Russian ports—including Ust-Luga and the CPC terminal near Novorossiysk—to load what was labeled as Kazakh-origin oil. Critics argue that such labels are often a smokescreen for Russian-origin crude, given the CPC pipeline’s route deep into Russian territory.
Greece Under Scrutiny
This isn’t the first time Greece has come under the spotlight. It has previously been accused of enabling the flow of Russian oil into European markets despite EU sanctions. And now, with the Vilamoura poised to dock at a Greek port after such a suspicious incident, speculation is mounting about the extent of Athens’ involvement-or indifference.
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) has been actively monitoring what it calls a “shadow fleet” of tankers transporting Russian oil through unofficial and potentially illegal channels. According to their reports, at least 159 such vessels have been identified, with 55 captains allegedly involved in circumventing sanctions. Many of these ships have conducted offshore transfers near Greek and Cypriot waters.
Explosions, Shadow Fleets, and Grey Market Crude
Vilamoura is not an isolated case. Since January 2025, at least four other tankers connected to Russian ports have experienced similar explosions. The pattern is raising eyebrows: Are these accidents, sabotage, or a convenient way to erase shipping trails and rebrand cargoes?
Despite the EU’s 17th sanctions package in May—which blacklisted nearly 200 vessels—and the U.S. Treasury’s actions targeting over 180 ships, Russian oil continues to flow into global markets. The so-called “shadow fleet” appears undeterred, with many vessels uninsured and sailing through regulatory loopholes.
Trump’s Silence and the Broader Implications
Adding to the controversy is the shift in U.S. policy under President Donald Trump. Since returning to the office, Trump has not implemented any new sanctions against Russia, even as Ukraine faces escalating attacks and mounting casualties. This has left allies like Ukraine carrying much of the burden while Moscow continues to profit from energy exports.
Environmental and Strategic Risks
Aside from legal and geopolitical concerns, the environmental risks of these unofficial oil transfers are significant. Uninsured vessels engaging in high-risk operations near EU waters are a disaster waiting to happen. A single error could unleash a massive oil spill, with devastating consequences for marine ecosystems and coastal economies.
A Weaponized Energy Market
For Ukraine and its Western backers, the goal is clear: shut down the shadow routes and close the loopholes. As long as Russian oil finds its way to international markets via ambiguous channels, the Kremlin’s war machine remains funded and functional.
In the modern geopolitical landscape, oil is more than a commodity—it is a strategic asset. And as recent events suggest, Greece may be quietly helping Russia reload its arsenal, one shipment at a time.
