NAIROBI, Kenya- France has intercepted an oil tanker suspected of breaching international sanctions imposed on Russia, in a high-seas operation carried out by the French Navy in the Mediterranean.
The vessel, which was reportedly travelling from Russia and suspected of flying a false flag, was boarded on Thursday with the support of several allied countries.
French authorities said the operation was conducted in full compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
A judicial investigation has since been opened, and the tanker has been diverted as authorities examine possible violations of international sanctions.
We will not tolerate any violation.This morning, the French Navy boarded an oil tanker coming from Russia, subject to international sanctions and suspected of flying a false flag. The operation was conducted on the high seas in the Mediterranean,
French President Emmanuel Macron said France would not tolerate any breach of international law, stressing the country’s determination to ensure sanctions are effectively enforced.
“The activities of the so-called ‘shadow fleet’ contribute to financing the war of aggression against Ukraine,” Mr Macron said, referring to vessels accused of covertly transporting Russian oil to bypass restrictions.
Western nations have increasingly targeted Russia’s shadow fleet, warning that such operations undermine global sanctions regimes and help sustain Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.
French officials said further details would emerge as investigations continue.
Thank you, France! Thank you, @EmmanuelMacron! This is exactly the kind of resolve needed to ensure that Russian oil no longer finances Russia’s war. Russian tankers operating near European shores must be stopped. Sanctions against the entire infrastructure of the shadow fleet
