Ukraine's foreign minister urges others to follow Belgium's example after seizure of Russian shadow fleet tanker

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has welcomed Belgium's seizure of a Russian shadow fleet tanker and called on other countries to follow its example.

Source: Sybiha on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Quote: "We welcome Belgium's strong step, seizing an illegal Russian shadow fleet tanker. Such resolute and justified action is required to deprive Russia of resources to continue its aggression and war crimes against Ukraine."

Details: Sybiha thanked the Belgian government, the armed forces and security agencies, as well as partners from the G7 and the Nordic and Baltic countries that supported the operation, for their determination and professionalism.

Background:

• As reported earlier, Belgian forces seized an oil tanker belonging to Russia's shadow fleet.
• The vessel detained by Belgium has been on the European list of ships whose activities must be restricted since October 2025 on the grounds that they form part of the shadow fleet of oil tankers or contribute to Russia's energy revenues, which Moscow relies on to finance its war of aggression against Ukraine.
• The Ethera is described as a vessel transporting "crude oil or petroleum products or mineral products that originate in Russia or are exported from Russia" and engaging in "irregular and high-risk shipping practices". Among the restrictions imposed is a ban on access to EU ports.
• On 22 January, France, with the support of the United Kingdom, detained the Grinch off the coast of Spain after inspecting documents that confirmed suspicions the vessel was sailing under a false flag. The tanker is part of Russia's shadow fleet and is subject to EU and UK sanctions.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later said his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron had told him about plans to release the tanker due to legal requirements.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!