Comment Central: UK political comment, opinion and analysis
While Europe Sleeps, Putin’s Ghost Fleet Sails On
Europe has developed a remarkable talent for administrative theatre when confronting Russian threats. Show Brussels a drone, a hacker or a severed undersea cable, and someone will produce a briefing paper, convene a committee and issue a solemn declaration of concern. Meanwhile, Moscow is moving military equipment to Africa by sea, along routes passing Europe's front door. The ships have official passenger lists. The passengers, however, are harder to account for.
Costantino Pistilli
October 19, 2026