Italy's defense ministry said its navy, operating as part of an EU long-running military operation in the Mediterranean, intercepted an EU‑sanctioned Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker west of Pantelleria. The tanker captain refused to cooperate and an Italian boarding team conducted an inspection, supported by a Greek navy vessel and a Polish maritime patrol aircraft.

2026-08-03

Italy's defense ministry said its navy, operating as part of an EU long-running military operation in the Mediterranean, intercepted an EU‑sanctioned Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker west of Pantelleria. The tanker captain refused to cooperate and an Italian boarding team conducted an inspection, supported by a Greek navy vessel and a Polish maritime patrol aircraft.