Greece seizes Russian tanker

The Greek Coast Guard claimed last night that it had seized a Russian tanker off the coast of the Greek island of Ovia.

Greek officials say the move is in line with EU sanctions against Russia over its military conflict with Ukraine.

Earlier this month, the European Union (EU) banned Russian ships from entering the ports of the 27-nation bloc.

The 115,000-tonne Pegasus tanker with 19 crew members was stranded off the insane coast of the island of Ovia, a short distance from Athens.

The Russian embassy in Greece said it was in contact with Greek government officials. The Greek Ministry of Shipping said the move was part of EU sanctions.

A State Department spokesman welcomed the Greek move, saying “we are aware of reports that the tanker was carrying Iranian oil.”

Greece has said the oil has not yet been confiscated and it is not clear which side leased it, but it is owned by Russia’s Transmorflot.

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