Zelensky responds to Belgian military seizing Russian oil tanker

In a post on X, Zelensky said that Belgium had made a decisive decision by seizing a tanker from Russia's shadow fleet last night, Ukrinform reports.

"This particular vessel has long been under US, EU, and UK sanctions, but nonetheless continued to illegally transport Russian oil using a false flag and forged documents. We welcome this strong action against Moscow's floating purse and thank France for supporting the operation," Zelensky wrote.

He also stressed the importance of modernizing European legislation so that tankers transporting Russian oil are not merely stopped but seized, with their oil repurposed for 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," he added.

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken stated earlier that Belgian military forces had seized an oil tanker belonging to Russia's shadow fleet.