EU Naval Mission Authorized to Intercept Russian Shadow Tankers in Indian Ocean
The European Union has expanded its naval mission, Operation Atalanta, to intercept Russian shadow fleet tankers in the Indian Ocean. This decision allows the EU to conduct flag-verification boardings of vessels suspected of operating under false flags, a practice used by Russia to circumvent Western-imposed oil price caps. The move extends the EU's geographic reach in its efforts to enforce sanctions against Russia, complementing similar actions in the Mediterranean under Operation Irini. The EU aims to disrupt the shadow fleet, which plays a crucial role in Russia's oil exports. 
