EU forces board suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker in Mediterranean

EU naval forces that boarded a suspected Russian “shadow fleet” tanker in the Mediterranean confirmed the vessel was sailing under a false flag, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

In a statement on US social media platform X, Kallas said forces from the EU naval mission Operation IRINI boarded the MV MIDAG on Friday.

She said the boarding was carried out under Article 110 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The operation confirmed that the tanker was sailing under a false flag, according to Kallas.

She said the EU would continue efforts to disrupt Russia's shadow fleet, both at sea and through diplomatic channels.

Russia denies the existence of any alleged shadow fleet.

Kallas also said EU foreign ministers are expected to approve further sanctions against Russia on Monday.

The proposed measures are expected to include new listings targeting banks, buyers, and companies accused of supporting the alleged shadow fleet.