Russia calls drone strike on Arctic Metagaz 'international terrorism,' accuses Ukraine
Photo: tanker Arctic Metagaz (Russian media)
Russia has described a drone strike on the Russian tanker Arctic Metagaz in the Mediterranean Sea as “international terrorism” and blamed Ukraine for the attack, according to Russian media.
Raed also: Belgium makes first seizure of Russian shadow fleet tanker
According to Russia’s Ministry of Transport, the tanker Arctic Metagaz, which was sailing through the Mediterranean with cargo, had been “properly documented in accordance with all international regulations” and departed from the port of Murmansk.
The aggressor state claimed the attack occurred near the coast of Libya using unmanned boats, which it linked to Ukraine.
“We qualify what happened as an act of international terrorism and maritime piracy, a gross violation of the fundamental norms of international maritime law,” Russia’s Transport Ministry said.
What preceded this
Yesterday, March 3, reports emerged that the Arctic Metagaz, which transports liquefied natural gas, was on fire in the Mediterranean Sea. The vessel last reported its position on Monday, when it was sailing near the coast of Malta.
Notably, the tanker Arctic Metagaz is on the sanctions lists of the United States and the United Kingdom due to its ties to Russia’s energy sector.
Russia’s shadow fleet
On the night of March 1, Belgium intercepted a tanker from Russia’s so-called shadow fleet for the first time. The vessel was sent to the port of Zeebrugge for further arrest.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the detention of the tanker, calling it “Moscow’s floating wallet.” He urged European partners to confiscate such vessels and use their cargo for EU security needs.
In early February, the European Commission presented a draft of the 20th sanctions package against Russia, which was planned for adoption by February 24 — the anniversary of the full-scale invasion.
The main focus of the new restrictions targets Russia’s energy and financial sectors. In particular, the proposal includes a full ban on maritime services for transporting Russian oil, expanding the “shadow fleet” list to 640 vessels, and restricting their servicing.
