EU commission dodges the hard questions, gives confusing answers on US seizure of Russian tankers

The European Commission said it is up to individual EU member states to decide whether to board or inspect Russian-linked oil tankers, stopping short of confirming whether EU sanctions provide a clear legal basis for such actions. Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper said decisions must follow national law, while stressing that the EU has sanctioned nearly 600 vessels so far. Officials also underlined that any enforcement must comply with international maritime law. The comments follow the U.S. seizure of the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera in the Atlantic, an action Moscow has condemned as illegal and a violation of maritime norms.