France and UK Intercept Sanctioned Russian-Linked Oil Tanker in Atlantic
France, with support from the United Kingdom, has intercepted a sanctioned oil tanker linked to Russia as part of efforts to crack down on Moscow’s so-called «shadow fleet» used to bypass Western sanctions.
The vessel, identified as the Tagor, was stopped in the Atlantic Ocean around 400 nautical miles west of Brittany after French authorities suspected it was sailing under a false flag. French naval commandos boarded the tanker from helicopters during the operation, which was supported by British military assets.
According to French President Emmanuel Macron, the tanker had departed from the Russian port of Murmansk and was operating in violation of international sanctions imposed over Russia’s war in Ukraine. French authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the vessel’s activities.
The operation is the latest move by European countries targeting Russia’s «shadow fleet» — a network of aging tankers accused of transporting Russian oil while concealing ownership, insurance details and national registration to evade sanctions.
Russia condemned the interception, describing it as unlawful and accusing France of «piracy,» while warning it would take measures to protect its maritime interests.
