EU naval force boards sanctioned Russian shadow fleet tanker off Sicily

An Italian-led European Union naval mission intercepted and boarded an oil tanker associated with Russia’s shadow fleet off the coast of Sicily on Sunday. According to the Italian Ministry of Defence, military personnel deployed via helicopter to board the vessel, identified as the Toa Payoh.

The ship is currently subject to EU sanctions designed to restrict Moscow’s maritime oil exports and impede sanctions evasion efforts. Officials confirmed that the operation was conducted under the framework of EU maritime security operations in the Mediterranean Sea. Investigations into the vessel's registration, cargo, and final destination are currently underway.

Sources: Telex.