Reportedly, the Poti port is providing services to the Russian sanctioned ships and is helping them escape sanctions.
“On May 2, a Russian-flagged tanker named SVL Pride entered the Batumi seaport. Transit cargo - 5000 tons of diesel destined for a third country, namely Armenia. At the moment, the unloading operation is being carried out in compliance with both domestic and international norms.
The 5th package of the EU sanctions, which includes a ban on Russian-flagged vessels entering the EU ports, provides for exceptions for energy (oil, petroleum products), agriculture, food and humanitarian aid. Therefore, the services provided to the tanker do not constitute a violation of sanctions or facilitate circumvention of sanctions,” - the Maritime Transport Agency said in a statement.