EU naval forces board suspected shadow fleet oil tanker in Mediterranean

Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI forces boarded the oil tanker MV SUN in the Mediterranean Sea on August 30 for flag verification over suspicions of sailing under a false flag in breach of international maritime law, Report informs, citing a post on X by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.

Kallas emphasized that illegal oil sales from shadow fleet ships serve as a critical lifeline for Russia's war in Ukraine and affirmed that the EU will continue its efforts to cut them off.

This marks the sixth suspected shadow fleet vessel boarded by EU operations in recent months. Kallas added that actions targeting the shadow fleet will be among the key topics on the agenda when EU Defence Ministers gather in Ireland on Tuesday.