Greece says it has seized the Russian ship, but not its cargo. Credit: AMNAGreece’s authorities say they have seized a Russian tanker in the Aegean Sea as part of European Union sanctions imposed against Russia.
The Greek coast guard said the Russian-flagged Pegas, an oil tanker with 19 Russian crew members on board, was seized on April 15 and is currently anchored in the bay of Karystos, the southern coast of the island of Evia.
The coast guard said the seizure order concerned the ship itself, and not its cargo.
Greece-Russia relations deteriorate
Greece has joined EU nations in categorically condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Earlier in April, Athens expelled 12 Russian diplomats in reaction to the war in Ukraine, declaring them “personae non-gratae.”
“We have strongly protested against this unjustified and hostile step which aims to further destroy our bilateral relations,” the Russian embassy announced in a statement.
