On Saturday night into Sunday, Belgian and French special forces conducted a spectacular boarding of the tanker Ethera, suspected of belonging to the Russian shadow fleet. The operation, supported by helicopters, took place in the North Sea waters near Ostend. This marks the first such decisive step by European Union countries targeting the illegal transport of energy resources used to circumvent sanctions imposed on Moscow following the invasion of Ukraine.

Boarding in the North Sea

A joint operation by Belgian and French forces led to the seizure of the tanker Ethera, suspected of evading sanctions.

Use of Helicopters

French air support played a key role in the commandos' rapid takeover of the vessel.

International Reaction

Zelenskyy praises EU courage, while Russia accuses Europe of illegal seizure of property.

Environmental Threat

The vessel will undergo inspection regarding its technical condition and the validity of its maritime insurance.

On the night of February 28 to March 1, 2026, an unprecedented maritime intervention occurred in Belgium's exclusive economic zone. Elite commando units, with support from French military helicopters, seized the vessel "Ethera." This ship is identified as part of the so-called shadow fleet, which since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine has allowed the Kremlin to finance military operations through oil trade while bypassing international restrictions. The course of the action was dynamic and precise. French helicopters enabled soldiers to rapidly descend onto the deck of the moving ship, completely surprising the crew. According to official statements from the Belgian Ministry of Defense, the vessel was directed to the port of Zeebrugge for detailed technical inspection and verification of transport documentation. There are justified suspicions that the tanker violated maritime safety and environmental protection regulations, which provided the formal basis for the intervention on the high seas. Since the G7 and European Union imposed a price cap on Russian oil in 2022, Russia has amassed hundreds of ships operating outside the official maritime oversight system.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally thanked the governments in Brussels and Paris for this determination, calling the operation a key step in limiting the Kremlin's budgetary influence. Simultaneously, the Russian side, represented by a Kremlin spokesperson, stated it had not been officially informed of the incident and labeled the action as "piracy." Experts indicate this incident may herald a new strategy by European states, involving the physical removal of the most risky vessels from key trade routes. „This is the right way to stop the Russian war machine. We must eliminate these ships one by one.” — Volodymyr ZelenskyyThe seizure of the "Ethera" also raises questions about environmental safety. "Shadow fleet" vessels often lack valid inspection certificates, posing a massive risk of an environmental disaster in the heavily trafficked North Sea. The Belgian Minister of Justice announced that if suspicions of documentation fraud are confirmed, the vessel could be confiscated by the state.

Mentioned People

  • Wołodymyr Zełenski — President of Ukraine, who praised the action and called for further seizures of Russian ships.
  • Władimir Putin — President of Russia, mentioned in the context of the broader response to restrictions and missile attacks.