French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the French Navy, with support from the United Kingdom, intercepted a sanctioned oil tanker traveling from Russia in the Atlantic Ocean. The operation, which took place on Sunday, targeted the vessel Tagor, suspected of evading international sanctions imposed over Russia's war in Ukraine.
Macron's Statement
In a post on X, Macron stated: 'It is unacceptable that boats skirt international sanctions, violate the law of the sea and finance the war that Russia has been waging for more than 4 years against Ukraine. These ships, that don’t respect the most elementary rules of maritime navigation, are also a threat to the environment and everyone’s security.' The post included a video showing a person rappelling from a helicopter onto the ship.
Broader Context
This interception is part of a series of French naval actions against tankers suspected of links to Russia. Oil revenue remains a crucial part of Russia's economy, enabling President Vladimir Putin to fund the war effort without causing domestic inflation or currency collapse. Russia is believed to operate a 'shadow fleet' of hundreds of ships to bypass sanctions.
Russian Response
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned the interception, calling it 'illegal' and bordering on piracy. He stated that Russia disagrees with the claim that the action complies with international law.
Details of the Interception
French maritime authorities said the Tagor was intercepted more than 400 nautical miles west of France in international waters, while traveling from the Russian port of Murmansk. The tanker is suspected of operating under a false flag and is being escorted to an anchorage for further inspection.
Previous interceptions by France include the Deyna in the Mediterranean in March and the Grinch in January, which was released after paying a multimillion-euro penalty.
This operation highlights ongoing efforts by nations supporting Ukraine to disrupt Russian oil exports and enforce international sanctions.
