Greek authorities have seized a Russian oil tanker off the island of Evia. New European Union sanctions over the war in Ukraine have banned ports in Member States from allowing ships flying the Russian flag to enter.

The nearly 250-meter tanker Pegas was seized off the coast near the town of Karystos, the Greek shipping ministry said. The ship had nineteen Russian crew members on board. The cargo of crude oil carried by the ship has not been seized, according to the coast guard.

The EU has determined that authorities in a Member State are allowed to admit Russian ships under certain conditions if this is necessary for the purchase of oil or gas. Exceptions are also possible for the supply of humanitarian goods, medicines and agricultural products.