EU countries close access to their ports to Russian flagged ships. At least 6,000 vessels banned

All ships will wait as many days as needed to be inspected and then docked, European leaders ordered.

The countries of the European Union have closed this Sunday, April 17, access to their ports for Russian-flagged ships, one of the restrictive measures of the 5th package of sanctions against Russia approved on April 8.

Italian media reported this Saturday that, by virtue of a circular from the General Command of the Port Authorities, the country will close its ports to the ships in question. The agency specified that the ships that are currently in Italian ports may remain there until the end of their commercial activities.

At the same time, Estonia also joined the restrictions against Russian-flagged ships this Sunday. In this context, the nation's Minister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure, Taavi Aas, quoted by local media, asserted that Europe is rethinking its economic activities and is becoming increasingly independent from Russia.

Meanwhile, Estonia, Bulgaria, Romania and Belgium also communicated similar decisions.

The ban approved by the EU also affects yachts and recreational boats. Likewise, the entry of ships that changed the Russian flag to that of another country since last February 24 is prohibited.

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6,000 Russian vessels banned from entering EU ports: ESPO requested list:
(https://youtu.be/eWpyDa2ILcY)