Fourteen European states warn multi-flagged ships may be treated as stateless

Fourteen European countries, including Germany, France, the UK, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium and the Nordic and Baltic states, warned on 27 January that vessels using multiple flags in the Baltic and North Seas may be treated as stateless, the Kyiv Independent reported. The statement said ships must carry valid documents, stay in contact with the relevant authorities and comply with safety rules and international regulations. The countries also raised concerns about Russian-linked interference with satellite navigation and manipulation of ship tracking signals, saying that "all vessels are at risk". The statement followed France's boarding of a tanker in the Mediterranean.

This is a summary in our own words of the linked reporting. Allegations are those of the source. How we report.