EU naval forces have taken action against a sanctioned Russian tanker, part of Moscow's "shadow fleet," in a move that underscores the bloc's determination to enforce economic sanctions. The operation, led by Italy, marks the second time in under two weeks that EU forces have boarded a vessel from Russia's clandestine fleet.
The move comes as Europe seeks to tighten its grip on Russian assets and disrupt Moscow's ability to circumvent sanctions. The EU has imposed a range of economic penalties on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine, including restrictions on oil and gas exports. The "shadow fleet" refers to a group of vessels that have been registered in countries outside of Russia, allowing them to continue operating despite EU sanctions.