Russia stopped a German cargo ship in the Gulf of Finland

The Vesterbotten, which sailed from Sweden to Estonia, was stopped by the Russian border guard in the Gulf of Finland inside Russian waters, ERR reported. It flies the Cypriot flag but is owned by a German company.

He sat at anchor for several hours, then proceeded to Sillamäe.

It is not known why he was arrested. Civil transit is allowed under the Russia-Estonia-Finland agreement.

Estonia did not receive an explanation, but said any country can inspect ships in its waters.

The arrest comes as Europe probes Russia's shadow fleet. In August, Putin threatened similar measures against European merchant ships. Not sure if this test is that answer.