Belgian Special Forces Intercept Russian “Ghost Ship” in North Sea
The Belgian Special Forces have intercepted a vessel from Russia’s shadow fleet, Ethera, in the North Sea, according to authorities. The ship was being escorted towards the port of Zeebruges, where it will be confiscated.
France Joins Operation
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France participated in the operation, which marks a significant blow to Russia’s “ghost fleet.” French Navy helicopters contributed to the boarding by Belgian forces of an oil tanker under international sanctions.
European Efforts to Cut Off Funding for Russian War Machine
Europeans are determined to cut off the sources of funding for Russia’s war of aggression. The European Union has placed hundreds of these vessels on its blacklist, aiming to weaken Moscow’s ability to finance its war efforts.
Belgian Vice Premier Maxime Prévot: “Sanctions Have Meaning Only If They Are Applied”
Prévot emphasized that the sanctions have meaning only if they are applied. He suggested that the intercepted vessel was navigating under a false flag. The operation was carried out in coordination with France and other G7 partners.
Identification of Vessel
Prosecutors identified the vessel as Ethera, which was returning to Russia under the Guinean flag. However, an inspection on board confirmed suspicions that it was navigating under a false flag. Documents on the ship were found to have been falsified.
Federal Prosecutor’s Office: “If a Ship Navigates Under a False Flag, It Means It Does Not Respect Multiple International Regulations”
The federal prosecutor’s office opened a criminal investigation into the matter, stating that if a ship navigates under a false flag, it means it does not respect multiple international regulations.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sîbiga: “Such Decisive and Justified Actions Are Necessary to Deprive Russia of Resources That Allow It to Continue Its Aggression and Crimes Against Ukraine”
Sîbiga welcomed the confiscation, stating that such decisive and justified actions are necessary to deprive Russia of resources that allow it to continue its aggression and crimes against Ukraine. He called on all partners to follow this example and counteract Russia’s “ghost fleet” through sanctions and concrete actions.
Conclusion
The interception of Ethera marks a significant blow to Russia’s shadow fleet, which systematically circumvents European sanctions to transport Russian oil. Every barrel funds Russia’s war machine, prolonging the suffering of Ukrainians.
Original Article: UPDATE-Belgia anunţă că Forţele Speciale au interceptat un petrolier din ”flota fantomă” rusă, Ethera, la Marea Nordului. Macron anunţă că Franţa a participat la operaţiune — News (Romanian) | View English Translation