EU operation seizes Russian shadow fleet tanker in Mediterranean
The EU naval force IRINI detained the Russian shadow fleet tanker MV South Star in the Mediterranean on July 20, suspected of sailing under a false flag.
International action against Russian sanctions evasion
As part of the European Union's Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI, the oil tanker MV South Star was detained in the Mediterranean on July 20. The vessel is suspected of sailing under a false flag, in breach of international maritime law, as part of Russia's so-called shadow fleet used to circumvent sanctions.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the operation on her X account, releasing footage showing a helicopter and armed special forces boarding the tanker from a motor boat. Kallas emphasized that such illicit voyages help Moscow finance its war against Ukraine, stating that every illegal trip keeps Russia's war machine running.
Expanded authority at sea
Kallas noted that Europe is aligning sanctions with actions at sea. This week, permission was granted for similar operations in the Atlantic Ocean under the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA mission, allowing inspections of vessels suspected of being part of Russia's shadow fleet.
In late June, the French Navy intercepted another shadow fleet-linked vessel, Deliver, off the coast of Sicily. Last month, the EU changed the rules of the IRINI operation, enabling military forces to board and inspect sanctioned ships.
