An oil tanker believed to be part of Russia’s efforts to evade sanctions went adrift and had to be towed by a German tugboat Friday in what Germany's foreign minister called a danger to security and tourism in the Baltic Sea.

For years, Germany has been working to elevate its status within the United Nations. However, Russia has now sent a clear signal that is not in Berlin's favor. Moscow has categorically rejected Germany's request for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

German rescue teams have managed to secure towing lines to a loaded oil tanker that lost the ability to manoeuvrer in the Baltic Sea near the German island of Rügen, authorities said on Friday. The stricken tanker Eventin,