The Belgian navy has confiscated a tanker suspected of violating EU sanctions on Russia by operating under a deceptive flag within Belgian maritime boundaries. France provided support during the mission, which targets Moscow’s covert oil fleet.

The Belgian navy intercepted and took control of a tanker believed to be part of Russia’s covert fleet, employed to bypass EU sanctions, Euronews has reported.

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The operation took place within Belgium’s exclusive economic zone, organized by the Ministry of Defence. Officials noted that the ship was operating under a fraudulent flag and possessed forged documentation. The vessel has been identified as the Ethera, registered under Guinea’s flag.

“Although Belgium is small, it is among the founding members of both NATO and the EU, and it approaches its duties with commitment,” stated Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken via social media.

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that French naval helicopters aided Belgian forces during the vessel’s boarding.

“Europeans are resolved to cut the funding channels for Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine by effectively enforcing sanctions,” Macron declared on X.

The European Union has previously blacklisted several dozen tankers as components of Russia’s shadow fleet. These vessels are prohibited from entering European ports.