On August 18, according to TASS news agency, the Russian Embassy in Italy accused Italy and some member states of the European Union (EU) of violating international maritime law and freedom of navigation.
With the reason of preventing the evasion of EU sanctions and cracking down on the'dark fleet', the EU continues to carry out illegal activities, including boarding and seizing foreign ships," the Russian Embassy wrote on Telegram.
The statement was made in connection with the inspection of the Tao Payoh ship, flying the Cameroon flag, conducted by the Italian warship Thaon di Revel on August 2 as part of the EU's Operation Irini.
According to the Russian Embassy, Operation Irini was previously deployed based on a resolution of the United Nations Security Council, with the task of monitoring the implementation of the ban on arms supply to Libya, collecting information about illegal oil exports and preventing illegal human trafficking at sea.
The Russian Embassy said that Operation Irini's mission expired in May.
According to Russia, the fact that European forces continue to conduct inspections of foreign ships after this time raises questions about the legal basis and scope of authority of activities at sea.
Currently, European countries have not yet responded to the accusations of the Russian Embassy.
