France Detains Russian-Linked Oil Tanker in Atlantic After Joint Operation With UK

French authorities have intercepted a sanctioned oil tanker linked to Russia in the Atlantic Ocean during an operation carried out with support from the United Kingdom, according to French President Emmanuel Macron.

The vessel, identified as the Tagor, was boarded by the French Navy on Sunday around 400 nautical miles west of Brittany. Macron said the mission was conducted with assistance from several international partners, including the UK, and was carried out in accordance with international maritime law.

Video released by the French president showed naval personnel descending from helicopters onto the tanker as part of the operation. The ship had departed from the Russian port of Murmansk and was suspected of sailing under a false flag.

French maritime authorities said an inspection of the vessel’s documents confirmed concerns about irregularities relating to the flag it was displaying. According to ship-tracking data, the tanker had been operating under a Madagascar flag.

Macron said France would not allow vessels to bypass international sanctions or violate maritime regulations. He argued that ships involved in such activities contribute to financing Russia’s war in Ukraine and also present environmental and security risks.

Following the interception, the tanker was placed under naval escort and directed toward an anchorage off the French coast for further investigation.

The operation forms part of broader European efforts to disrupt what officials describe as Russia’s “shadow fleet” — a network of aging tankers used to transport oil while avoiding international sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.

French officials said the Tagor is the fourth sanctioned tanker intercepted by France as part of those enforcement measures.

The European Union has introduced multiple rounds of sanctions targeting Russian energy exports. Despite those restrictions, Russia continues to sell large quantities of oil to countries including India and China, often at discounted prices.

Moscow condemned the interception, describing it as illegal and close to what it called “international piracy.” Russian officials said measures would be taken to safeguard the country’s maritime interests and shipping operations.

Western governments, meanwhile, have increased efforts to monitor and intercept vessels suspected of helping Russia evade sanctions. France and the UK have both pledged to take stronger action against ships believed to be involved in transporting sanctioned oil.

Officials say the latest operation reflects a growing determination among European allies to enforce maritime sanctions and reduce the flow of revenue that supports Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.

Source BBC