France Seizes Russian Tanker: Tensions are high in the Mediterranean Sea. After the US seized a Russian oil tanker, France has now also seized a Russian oil tanker. French President Emmanuel Macron said that the French navy had taken action against a Russian-linked oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea and stated that France would not tolerate any violation of international law. The tanker was subject to international sanctions and was suspected of operating as part of Moscow’s “shadow fleet,” allegedly flying a false flag.
France Seizes Russian Tanker
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that we will not tolerate any violations. The French Navy intercepted an oil tanker coming from Russia, which was subject to international sanctions and suspected of flying a false flag. This operation was carried out in the open sea in the Mediterranean, with the support of several of our partners. This action was conducted in full compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and a judicial investigation has been launched. The vessel has been diverted. We are determined to uphold international law and effectively enforce sanctions.
Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker
Local maritime authorities reported that the navy seized an oil tanker named “Grinch” between Spain and Morocco after it departed from the Russian Arctic port of Murmansk. One vessel named Grinch is subject to United Kingdom (UK) sanctions, while another vessel with the same registration number, named “Karl,” is under sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union. Ship tracking websites Marine Traffic and Vessel Finder reported that the vessel was flying the flag of Comoros.
Zelensky on Russian Oil Tanker
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed France’s action, thanking Macron and calling it a strong and necessary step to curb Russia’s war financing. He stated that this kind of decisive action is needed to ensure that Russia’s war is not financed by Russian oil, and that Russian tankers operating near European shores must be stopped. He added that tough sanctions should be imposed against the entire structure of the shadow fleet, and the vessels should be seized.
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