France seizes Russian oil tanker in Atlantic, citing sanctions evasion

The French Navy has seized a Russian oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean as part of an operation targeting vessels suspected of operating within Russia's "phantom fleet." The tanker, identified as "Tagor," was intercepted over 400 nautical miles west of the Brittany coast on Sunday, May 31.

The operation, conducted with support from international partners including the United Kingdom, involved boarding and inspecting the vessel, which was en route from Murmansk. Maritime authorities confirmed suspicions of irregularities concerning the ship's flag. Consequently, the "Tagor" was placed under escort by the French Navy to an anchorage area for further verification.

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These ships circumvent international sanctions, violate maritime law, and contribute to financing the war waged by Russia against Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron shared images of the intervention on platform X, stating that such vessels circumvent international sanctions, violate maritime law, and contribute to financing Russia's war against Ukraine. He highlighted the security and environmental risks posed by these ships and reaffirmed France's "constant and total" determination to combat the Russian phantom fleet.

According to the Russian Embassy, the captain of the "Tagor" is a Russian citizen. The embassy has requested clarification from French authorities regarding the presence of Russian citizens on board and stated it was not officially notified of the actions taken against the tanker. This incident marks the fourth such seizure by France in recent months, with previous detentions resulting in fines before the vessels were allowed to proceed.

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France's constant and total determination to combat the Russian phantom fleet.