France intercepts Russian-linked oil tanker in Atlantic, Macron says sanctions evasion ‘Unacceptable’

New Delhi: France has intercepted an oil tanker suspected of helping Russia evade international sanctions, marking the latest move by European nations supporting Ukraine to disrupt Moscow’s oil trade, which remains a crucial source of funding for the Kremlin’s military campaign.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced the operation on X, revealing that the tanker, identified as Tagor, was boarded by the French Navy in the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday.

Sharing details of the mission, Macron said authorities would continue efforts against vessels involved in circumventing international restrictions. “It is unacceptable for ships to circumvent international sanctions, violate the law of the sea, and fund the war that Russia has been waging against Ukraine for more than 4 years,” Macron wrote on X.

He further warned that such vessels pose risks beyond sanctions violations. These ships, that don’t respect the most elementary rules of maritime navigation, are also a threat to the environment and everyone’s security, he added.

According to western media reports, the operation was conducted with support from the United Kingdom.

French authorities noted that the tanker was intercepted more than 400 nautical miles west of France in international waters while sailing from Murmansk, a major Russian port in the Arctic region. Authorities suspect the vessel was operating under a false flag and have escorted it to an anchorage for further inspections.

Authorities are also investigating the role of the ship’s captain, who reportedly identified himself as a Russian citizen. French prosecutor Stéphane Kellenberger said the captain repeatedly ignored instructions from the French Navy, leading authorities to take control of the vessel and escort it for further checks.

Russia condemned the interception, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov calling the action unlawful.

“They border on piracy,” Peskov said. “We absolutely disagree that they are being carried out in full compliance with international law.”

Western governments have increasingly targeted what they describe as Russia’s “shadow fleet” – a network of aging tankers allegedly used to transport Russian oil while avoiding sanctions imposed after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

France has previously intercepted other vessels suspected of similar activities. The tanker Deyna was boarded in the Mediterranean Sea in March, while another tanker, Grinch, was detained in January before being released after paying a substantial financial penalty.