Boarded: Belgium's Military Detained A "shadowy" Russian Tanker For The First Time

• 1.03.2026, 9:59

Belgium's defense minister revealed details of the operation.

The Belgian Armed Forces, backed by France, intercepted and took control of a Russian "shadow fleet" tanker for the first time. The vessel was convoyed to the port of Zeebrugge for further arrest.

The Belgian Defense Minister Theo Franken said in X (Twitter).

Franken said the operation, codenamed Blue Intruder, was carried out over the past few hours. Belgian soldiers, supported by the French defense ministry, boarded an oil tanker belonging to Russia's so-called "shadow fleet".

"The vessel is now being escorted to the port of Zeebrugge, where it will be arrested. The operation was carried out by a team of exceptionally brave servicemen. Remarkable work," he said.