Belgian & French Forces Seize Russian Oil Tanker

0:00It's March 1st. This episode is brought to you by NordVPN. If you use public Wi-Fi or care about your privacy online, NordVPN helps keep your connection, secure across all your devices, links in the episode description. Here's your UK news in two minutes. Belgian and French forces seized an oil tanker called Ethera in the North Sea, suspecting it belongs to Russia's Shadowfleek. The vessel is on the European Union sanctions list, aimed at curbing Moscow's oil sales funding its war in Ukraine. These Shadowfleek ships help Russia dodge Western restrictions through murky ownership and flags of convenience. They're often old vessels prone to breakdowns, spills, and lacking proper insurance or safety checks. French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the operation as a major hit against the Shadowfleek, stressing Europe's commitment to enforcing sanctions. Belgium's Defense Minister noted the tanker likely used fake documents in a false flag, declaring such seizures key to starving Russia's war machine.

1:01The Ethera is now heading to the Belgian port of Zebrug, under Escort, with prosecutors launching an investigation. This follows a similar French Navy intercept of another tanker in the Mediterranean earlier this year, released only after owners paid millions in, penalties, Ukraine's foreign minister praised the move and called on allies to ramp up actions against the fleet. As enforcement titans, these joint efforts signal growing resolve to squeeze Russia's oil revenues. As enforcement titans, these joint efforts signal growing resolve to squeeze Russia's oil revenues.