Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Western partners to confiscate oil from detained tankers belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet.” He said Russia is behaving like a mafia organization and should face a tough response.
Zelensky posted his reaction on X in response to a message from Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever. He noted that the intercepted vessel is under sanctions from the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom, yet continues to illegally transport Russian oil under a false flag and with forged documents.
“We welcome this strong action against Moscow’s floating purse and thank France for supporting the operation,” the Ukrainian president said.
He added that European legislation should be updated so that vessels carrying Russian energy are not merely detained but seized, and that the oil on board is used to strengthen Europe’s security.
“We must be resolute. Russia operates like a mafia organization, and the response must match that reality. If they reject the rules for the sake of war, the rules must foresee a clear and firm answer,” Zelensky emphasized.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said on March 1 that Belgium had seized a Russian “shadow” tanker. According to media reports, the vessel is the 180-meter tanker Ethera — the U.S. Treasury links it to the son of an adviser to the slain supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Zelensky has previously called for tougher action against the “shadow fleet” and sanctions on Russia, including during an August 29, 2025 briefing where he sharply criticized the idea of creating a “buffer” for Russians.
