Belgium Seizes Suspected Russian Oil Tanker in North Sea

Belgian special forces seized a suspected Russian oil tanker in the North Sea on Sunday, marking a significant enforcement of European Union sanctions aimed at curbing Moscow's ability to fund its war in Ukraine. The vessel, identified as the Ethera, was intercepted in Belgium's exclusive economic zone and escorted to the port of Zeebrugge for formal impoundment.

The operation unfolded overnight, with boarding commencing shortly before midnight. A team of 93 soldiers and one military service dog secured the ship within just over an hour, according to the Belgian Defense Ministry. French naval forces provided aerial support with helicopters, assisting in the interception. The tanker, which authorities believe is part of Russia's "shadow fleet" of aging vessels used to evade Western restrictions on crude exports, was towed to Zeebrugge on Sunday morning.

Inspections at the port revealed the Ethera was sailing under a false flag of Guinea, with documents suspected of being falsified, the Belgian federal prosecutor's office stated. Prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation, noting that operating under a false flag violates international regulations. Further checks uncovered...