European forces have boarded another Russian "shadow fleet" tanker in the Mediterranean, marking the sixth such incident recently. Italian forces, operating under the EU's Operation Irini, seized the MV Sun tanker for alleged violations of international law. This action aims to disrupt illegal oil sales that fund Russia's war in Ukraine.The boarding occurred west of Pantelleria island as the tanker traveled from Benin to Istanbul. Most previous boardings have taken place in northern European waters, making this Mediterranean incident rarer. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously threatened retaliatory actions against European vessels.These European actions, which sometimes involve commandeering entire tankers, are authorized by new EU sanctions allowing the sale of seized cargo. Putin has condemned these seizures as "piracy and banditry," vowing to respond in kind. While Russia has not yet reciprocated in European waters, potential responses could occur in regions like the Black Sea, Baltic, or even the Indian Ocean. Putin’s patience is reportedly wearing thin regarding these ongoing maritime interdictions.