Belgian forces, supported by the French navy, intercepted a suspected Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the North Sea on Sunday. The vessel, identified as the Ethera, appears to have operated under a false flag and falsified documents.
Operation Details
The Ethera has faced sanctions from the US, EU, and UK for an extended period. Authorities escorted the tanker to the port of Zeebrugge following the seizure.
Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken emphasized the impact, stating, “Without his shadow fleet Putin can’t wage war against innocent Ukrainians. So we take these vessels out. One by one. Till his war of aggression stops.”
International Reactions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commended the Belgian and French forces for their “decisive decision.” He added, “Russia operates like a mafia organisation, and the response must match that reality.”
French President Emmanuel Macron described the action—supported by French navy helicopters—as a “major blow” to Russia’s fleet. “Europeans are determined to cut off the sources of funding for Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine by enforcing sanctions,” Macron declared.
Background on Shadow Fleet
Western sanctions on Russia have prompted the emergence of a shadow fleet of tankers, enabling Moscow to sustain its crude oil exports despite restrictions.
