**EU Targets Nearly 200 Shadow Fleet Ships in New Sanctions Against Russia: The Great Nautical Hide-and-Seek**
In a bold move that has left maritime enthusiasts scratching their heads and pirates rolling their eyes, the European Union has announced sanctions against nearly 200 shadow fleet ships allegedly aiding Russia. Yes, you heard that right—nearly 200 ships that are so shadowy, they make Batman look like a spotlight-loving diva.
The EU’s new sanctions are aimed at vessels that are “as hard to find as a needle in a haystack,” according to EU Commissioner for Maritime Shenanigans, Captain Barnacle McSailor. “We’ve been tracking these ships for months, and let me tell you, they’re better at hiding than my cat during bath time.”
Among the shadowy fleet is the infamous *SS Sneaky Pete*, which was last spotted off the coast of “I’m Not Telling You.” The ship’s captain, a mysterious figure known only as “Captain Oblivious,” was quoted saying, “Sanctions? What sanctions? I thought we were just playing a game of nautical hide-and-seek!”
Meanwhile, the EU has also targeted the *HMS Where Are You?*, a vessel that has reportedly been evading detection by disguising itself as a floating IKEA showroom. “We thought it was just a bunch of confused Swedish furniture,” said EU spokesperson Greta Galleon. “Turns out, it was a Russian ship all along. Who knew?”
As the sanctions roll out, the shadow fleet is reportedly considering a name change to “The Fleet of Unseen Opportunities.” In a statement, Captain Oblivious added, “We’ll just change our flags to ‘Not Russia’ and sail right past the sanctions. It’s like wearing a disguise at a costume party—everyone knows it’s you, but they can’t prove it!”
So, as the EU tightens its grip on these elusive vessels, one thing is clear: the game of maritime hide-and-seek is far from over. And if you happen to spot a ship with a giant “Not a Russian Ship” banner, you might just be looking at the next target of the EU’s sanctions. Stay tuned for more updates from the high seas of international diplomacy—where the only thing more slippery than a shadow fleet ship is the truth!
