Zelenskyy calls for changes to European laws to allow confiscation of Russian shadow fleet tankers

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said it would be appropriate to modernise European legislation to allow not only the detention but also the confiscation of tankers transporting Russian oil.

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

Details: Zelenskyy commented on Belgium's decision to seize a tanker belonging to Russia's shadow fleet last night. He said the vessel had long been under US, EU and UK sanctions but continued to transport Russian oil illegally, using a false flag and forged documents.

Quote: "We welcome this strong action against Moscow's floating purse and thank France for supporting the operation.

It is also important to modernise European legislation so that tankers carrying Russian oil are not just stopped but seized, with their oil repurposed for Europe's security. We must be resolute."

Details: Zelenskyy said Russia acts like a mafia organisation and that the response should reflect this reality.

"If they reject the rules for the sake of war, the rules must foresee a clear and firm answer," he added.

Background:

• 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.
• Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha welcomed Belgium's seizure of the tanker and called on other countries to follow its example.

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