Russia: EU Tanker Seizure Violates International Law

JAKARTA - Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the European Union (EU) risked a serious violation of international law if it used naval vessels in the Mediterranean Sea to detain oil tankers.

"The deployment of ships in the EU's IRINI naval operation in the Mediterranean Sea to inspect or seize vessels carrying petroleum products will be a serious violation of international law," Zakharova said, Wednesday, June 10, as reported by ANTARA from Sputnik.

The statement was made amid increasing efforts by Western countries to tighten surveillance of ships suspected of transporting energy resources from Russia.

In March, the British government said its forces could board sanctioned vessels when passing through British waters.

They also plan to block the ships, including those crossing the English Channel, with a target of a "shadow fleet" suspected of transporting Russian energy resources.

Meanwhile, the EU on April 23 adopted the 20th package of sanctions against Russia that expanded restrictions on the energy sector, including oil production, processing, and transportation.

According to Russian media reports, the 21st package of sanctions being prepared is likely to include new restrictions on banks, oil traders, refineries, as well as operators of crypto assets in third countries.

The package is also reported to include sanctions against about 20 tankers accused of having links to Russia.