Russia: EU tanker seizures would violate international law

Moscow (ANTARA) - Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakheaova stated that the European Union (EU) risks committing serious violations of international law if it utilises naval vessels in the Mediterranean Sea to detain oil tankers.

“The deployment of ships under the EU’s Operation IRINI in the Mediterranean Sea to inspect or seize vessels carrying petroleum products would constitute a serious violation of international law,” Zakharova said on Wednesday (10/6).

This statement was made amidst increasing efforts by Western nations to tighten surveillance on ships suspected of transporting energy resources from Russia.

Last March, the British government stated that its forces could board sanctioned vessels while they traverse British waters. They also plan to block such ships, including those passing through the English Channel, targeting the “shadow fleet” suspected of transporting Russian energy resources.

Meanwhile, on 23 April, the EU adopted its 20th sanctions package against Russia, which expanded restrictions on the energy sector, including the production, processing, and transport of oil.

According to Russian media reports, the 21st sanctions package currently being prepared is likely to include new restrictions on banks, oil traders, refineries, and crypto-asset operators in third-party countries. The package is also reported to potentially include sanctions against approximately 20 tankers accused of having links to Russia.