(1) there was no shadow. The West knows exactly which ship works for which boss, carrying what, and going where. (2) Going through the Arctic region can avoid European clowning somewhat, but the extra cost is also high. And only works for half the year. (3) Eventually buyers have to choose sides. Most will choose the West and the West has to print more to keep the party going until one day when something physical runs short or when USD loses too much purchase power. (4) Russia + China + Iran are barely ready to fight for their independence, success is possible but far from guaranteed.
Yes, they can escort their flagged ships. But escorting shadow tankers makes them something other than "shadow."
(1) there was no shadow. The West knows exactly which ship works for which boss, carrying what, and going where. (2) Going through the Arctic region can avoid European clowning somewhat, but the extra cost is also high. And only works for half the year. (3) Eventually buyers have to choose sides. Most will choose the West and the West has to print more to keep the party going until one day when something physical runs short or when USD loses too much purchase power. (4) Russia + China + Iran are barely ready to fight for their independence, success is possible but far from guaranteed.