Belgian defense forces intercepted and boarded a sanctioned oil tanker in the North Sea, with French Navy NH90 helicopters providing airborne support. According to official statements, the operation was conducted within Belgium’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to enforce maritime international law. Breaking Defense reports that the ship, identified as Ethera, has been listed on the EU register of vessels whose activity is restricted due to its suspected involvement in Russia’s energy revenues used to finance the war against Ukraine.