In a significant move, Sweden has handed over a cargo ship linked to Russia’s shadow fleet to Ukraine, following a ruling by its highest court. The vessel, believed to be transporting stolen grain, was seized earlier this year at the request of Ukrainian authorities.

The cargo ship, named ‘Caffa’, was intercepted by Swedish authorities in March while en route from Casablanca, Morocco, to St. Petersburg, Russia. The ship was flagged under a false Guinean registration and had a predominantly Russian crew, raising suspicions about its activities.

Ukrainian officials suspect that the ‘Caffa’ was involved in transporting grain stolen from territories occupied by Russia. Wladyslaw Wlasiuk, Ukraine’s sanctions officer, indicated that the ship had previously been used to smuggle Ukrainian grain, including a notable journey from Sevastopol in Crimea to Syria last year.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha hailed the court’s decision as a ‘historic ruling’ and a crucial precedent in the fight against Russia’s shadow fleet. He emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to continue efforts to disrupt Russia’s funding mechanisms for its military operations.