Fine words, worthy of approval.But there is a question. There is a lack of reinforcement.Last night, Russia once again struck Kharkiv with modernized guided bombs under the cover of “peace initiatives.” People were injured.The best way to fight guided bombs is to destroy Russian airfields within a 300 km radius. And provide long-range air defense systems. Preferably not just ground-based systems (because the Russians will eventually reach them), but aircraft equipped with appropriate detection systems and missiles."The EU’s stance on weapons is improving, but very slowly. Decisions remain unimaginative."European officials can certainly do better, they just need to be properly motivated.Everyone knows about nearly 900 tankers in Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.” Everyone sees them, but nobody touches them. They prowl the Baltic Sea and repeatedly cause trouble.Brussels has started to craft a strange idea about requiring permissions from states that flag ships carrying Russian cargo. In other words, they want to begin a legally clean operation against those who profit from the filth.This is a formal approach. Consciously bureaucratic, a dead end, and a mockery. It can continue on its own track to protect certain politicians and shield them from criticism. But simultaneously, it’s time to launch real mechanisms to bring Moscow to its senses.For example."Define an unofficial but extremely attractive dependency: one guided bomb — minus one tanker, one missile — minus five tankers. If there are casualties, apply a multiplier."And you don’t have to seize anything.The EU should create a special environmental group that would selectively inspect certain vessels for harmful insects and protection of valuable mollusks. The risks would be just wow!Those vessels would be directed into quarantine. At the expense of the cargo owners, with all fees. For a few months, say. Or however long it takes. Perhaps a repeat investigation will be needed. If no problems are found — release everyone, fine.A guided bomb strike occurs — environmental risks spike. All according to transparent European standards.A week or a little more, and the “shadow fleet” will be able to operate only in the Far East. China won’t be hurt by this. Comrade Erdoğan will be a bit upset, but Comrade Trump has already preemptively paid him compliments. Comrade Modi has also been warned.Can’t adequately help air defenses — use the deadliest European weapon: European bureaucrats.And, oh I beg you! Don’t say this is a slippery slope for abuses! When Brussels needs to, it is very pragmatic. And they know well how to send lucrative signals to scoundrels, they just don’t always want to.SourceAbout the author. Oleksii Kopytko, former advisor to the Minister of Defense of Ukraine.The editorial team does not always share the opinions expressed by blog or column authors.