Kuala Lampur, Oct. 20 -- The European Union is preparing to take a decisive - and perilous - step in its long struggle to enforce sanctions on Russia.

A classified European Commission proposal, revealed by Politico Europe, outlines plans to grant Brussels and member states sweeping powers to board and inspect ships suspected of being part of Moscow's so-called "shadow fleet."

This clandestine network of tankers has become the backbone of Russia's oil export strategy since sanctions were imposed following the invasion of Ukraine. These vessels operate under false flags, obscure ownership, and outdated insurance - sailing through loopholes in international law to deliver oil to buyers willing to overlook Western restrictions. Now, the EU ...