French Navy Intercepts Suspected Russian Tanker

The French navy has intercepted an oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean suspected of helping Russia evade international sanctions imposed after its invasion of Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the operation targeted a vessel linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” – a network of ships used to transport Russian oil outside Western sanctions regimes.

The interception took place more than 740 kilometers west of Brittany with support from several partners, including the United Kingdom. French authorities said the vessel was suspected of operating under a false flag.

According to the Maritime Prefecture, an inspection team boarded the ship and examined its documentation, confirming the suspicions. At the request of prosecutors, the vessel was subsequently diverted in accordance with international law.

Macron identified the ship as the Tagor, which was sailing from the Russian port of Murmansk.

France and Britain have stepped up efforts against Russia’s shadow fleet in recent months. Despite those measures, shipping data suggest that dozens of sanctioned vessels continue to transit through European waters.

(reuters, max)