Belgian Forces Seize Suspected Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tanker
Belgian special forces, assisted by France, boarded and seized an oil tanker from Russia’s so-called shadow fleet used to circumvent Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine, in an overnight operation announced on Sunday.
The seized vessel, identified as the “Ethera,” was intercepted in the North Sea, with aerial support from French military helicopters. Defense Minister Theo Francken said the tanker was escorted to the port of Zeebrugge after being intercepted in Belgium’s exclusive economic zone.
Investigation Underway
A spokesperson for the Belgian federal prosecutor’s office said the ship captain, a Russian national, is being questioned by investigators. Ship documents were found that are suspected of being false, and authorities have opened a criminal investigation.
“If a ship sails under a false flag, this means that it does not comply with several international regulations,” prosecutors said in a statement. The seized tanker was on the European Union’s sanctions list, and the EU has blacklisted hundreds of vessels in a bid to sap Moscow’s war chest.
International Cooperation
The operation was carried out alongside Belgium’s G-7, Nordic, and Baltic partners and in coordination with France. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that his country’s naval forces assisted in the operation, calling it a “major blow” to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.”
Russia has used a flotilla of ageing tankers of opaque ownership to get around restrictions on its lucrative crude exports imposed over its 2022 all-out invasion of Ukraine. The seized tanker was on its way back to Russia when intercepted.
Reactions and Statements
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed Belgium’s “strong action against Moscow’s floating purse” and thanked France for supporting the operation. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha added that “such resolute and justified actions demonstrate the international community’s determination to counter Russia’s hybrid war.”
Russian embassy in Belgium said it had not been officially notified of the tanker’s detention, nor informed about the nationality of its crew. The embassy is currently taking the necessary steps to determine whether there are Russian citizens on board and to ensure their legal rights if confirmed.
Impact and Significance
The seizure of the “Ethera” marks a significant blow to Russia’s efforts to circumvent Western sanctions. Sanctions aimed at limiting Moscow’s revenues used to pursue its war have shut out many tankers carrying Russian oil from Western insurance and shipping systems. Some experts and political leaders also suspect “shadow fleet” vessels of carrying out sabotage, as part of a “hybrid war” by Russia against Western countries.
The operation demonstrates the international community’s commitment to enforcing sanctions and countering Russia’s attempts to evade them.
Original Article: Belgian forces seize suspected Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker | Daily Sabah — Dailysabah