22/07/2026 (Agence Europe) – The High Representative of the EU, Kaja Kallas, announced on Wednesday 22 July that forces from operation EUNAVFORMED Irini had boarded on Monday 20 July, in order to verify its flag, the tanker MV SOUTH STAR, which is suspected of sailing under a false flag in violation of international maritime law. “We are stepping up pressure on Russian shadow fleet. (...) Every illicit voyage helps fuel Russian war machine. We are complementing our sanctions with action at sea,” Ms Kallas explained on X. The vessel, flying the Cameroonian flag, has since departed again for Tunisia. At the same time, Member States this week authorised operation EUNAVFOR Atalanta to carry out boardings to verify the flag of ships suspected of belonging to Russian shadow fleet, along the same lines as operation Irini, the High Representative announced. (CG)