France has seized a sanctioned oil tanker carrying Russian crude, marking the third known interception of a vessel linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet in recent months, according to CNN.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the tanker, identified as the Tagor, was intercepted in the Atlantic Ocean in international waters with support from several partners, including the United Kingdom.
The report said the vessel had departed from the Russian port of Umba and is under sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States.
France’s navy boarded another oil tanker on the high seas after it sailed from Russia, the latest move in a global crackdown on shadow-fleet vessels used to export sanctioned crude https://t.co/28C0ttEs1T
— Bloomberg (@business) June 1, 2026
Macron argued that ships used to bypass sanctions help finance Russia’s war effort in Ukraine and pose environmental and maritime safety risks. France has repeatedly called for stronger Western action against vessels accused of evading sanctions through false registrations, inadequate insurance or missing safety certifications.
The Kremlin strongly criticized the seizure, calling it illegal and close to "international piracy." According to Russian state media, Moscow is seeking information from French authorities about Russian crew members believed to be aboard the vessel.
The report noted that France and its allies have increased efforts this year to disrupt Russia’s shadow fleet and limit revenues from oil exports.
Also Read:
TIPP Staff
