Russia has seized the Greek-owned oil tanker Green Admire, flagged in Liberia, which departed from the port of Silamäe and was sailing within Russian territorial waters, announced the Estonian Ministry of Transport on Sunday.

The vessel belongs to the Greek company Aegean Shipping and is transporting shale oil.

The oil tanker was following a pre-determined route, with its final destination being Rotterdam.

This incident occurred three days after Russia dispatched an aircraft in relation to Estonia’s efforts to stop a Russian oil tanker.

The Estonian Ministry of Transport stated in a press release that this was the first incident of its kind and that they will direct ships arriving and departing from Silamäe through the country’s territorial waters to prevent similar events in the future.

“Today’s incident shows that Russia continues to behave unpredictably,” said Minister Tsahkna in the statement, adding, “I have also informed our allies about the incident.”

It is noted that ships departing from the port of Silamäe usually pass through Russian waters, as this route is safer for large vessels than navigating between the shallows in Estonian waters.