US EditionBelgium Seizes Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker in First-Ever Interception
Belgian forces, aided by French Navy helicopters, seized the sanctioned tanker Ethera linked to Russia's shadow fleet, disrupting a network generating billions in oil trade profits.
- On Saturday night, Defence minister Theo Francken reported Belgian armed forces and Belgian special forces seized an oil tanker in the North Sea; "The ship is currently being escorted to the port of Zeebrugge, where it will be seized," Francken said.
- Western sanctions after 2022 spurred the rise of a shadow fleet that helps Moscow keep crude exports flowing using ageing tankers with opaque ownership, raising environmental risks.
- Theo Francken said the vessel is suspected to have used false documents, and Belgian officials allege it sailed under a false flag with false documents, with Prevot thanking special forces for their 'exceptional professionalism and courage' after the interception.
- Belgium framed the operation as part of sanctions enforcement, with Francken saying Belgium took its responsibility seriously and stressing sanctions must be enforced until the aggression stops.
- The operation was carried out alongside G7, Nordic and Baltic partners and France, signaling multinational enforcement amid claims the Russian shadow fleet sustains Moscow's crude exports and funds the war.
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169 Articles
A new video shows how a ship in the Russian shadow fleet was taken over Sunday night. See more in the video.
Belgian special forces, with French assistance, stopped a Russian oil tanker belonging to the shadow fleet. Emmanuel Macron praised the operation.
Special Belgian forces intercepted in the North Sea a ship belonging to the " Fantasma fleet" that Russia used to impose the Western sanctions imposed on the war in Ukraine, announced this Sunday the chancellor of Belgium. Attacked on Iran: Follow the full coverage Tension: Iran promises revenge for Khamenei's death, while Trump threatens 'never seen' in case of worsening the "Today, a ship of Russian Fantsman fleet was intercepted in the North …
Belgium seizes Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker Ethera with French support
Belgium, with support from France, has detained a tanker from Russia’s “shadow fleet” used to export oil in violation of sanctions. Media reports identify the vessel as the 180-meter crude carrier Ethera. Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken announced the seizure on X, saying Belgian armed forces acted with French support and boarded the ship. “The vessel is currently being escorted to the port of Zeebrugge, where it will be seized. Operation …
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