France seizes Russian-linked oil tanker in Atlantic, defying Moscow
France has seized a Russian-linked oil tanker in the Atlantic, escalating tensions over Moscow’s sanctions-busting "shadow fleet." On Sunday, French special forces rappelled from helicopters onto the *Tagor*, a vessel suspected of transporting Russian oil in violation of Western sanctions, and ordered it to divert to a French port. The operation unfolded 400 miles west of Brittany in international waters, with logistical support from the UK, President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday.
Macron defended the interception as a lawful enforcement of EU sanctions, posting video footage of the boarding on X. The *Tagor*, reportedly bound for Africa, is accused of being part of Russia’s "ghost fleet"—a network of aging tankers used to evade price caps and trade restrictions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine. The Kremlin condemned the move as "international piracy," with spokesman Dmitry Peskov demanding information about the crew, including a Russian captain. Moscow vowed to implement "additional safety measures" to protect its maritime cargo.
The seizure drew swift international reaction. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna praised France for sending "the right signal" that sanctions evasion would not be tolerated. Meanwhile, Russian state media amplified the Kremlin’s accusations, framing the operation as a violation of maritime law. The *Tagor* is now en route to France, where authorities will determine its fate under EU sanctions regimes targeting Russian oil exports. The incident marks a rare physical enforcement action against the shadow fleet, which has grown increasingly brazen in circumventing Western restrictions.
France seizes Russian-linked oil tanker in Atlantic, defying Moscow
- independent
- courrier international
- thejournal
- france24
- news.err
- euronews
Articles
La France intercepte un pétrolier suspecté dappartenir à la flotte fantôme de Moscou Emmanuel Macron a indiqué, le lundi 1er juin, que la marine française avait intercepté dans lAtlantique, et avec laide logistique du Royaume-Uni, le pétrolier Tagor, soupçonné de faire partie de la flotte fantôme russe. Le Kremlin et la presse officielle russe sinsurgent à lunisson contre une opération de piraterie.
courrier international · 5 days ago
French special forces board Russian Shadow Fleet oil tanker in Atlantic In a post on X, Emmanuel Macron said that the French navy with helicopter borne troops, took control of the Tagor as it was sailing towards Africa.
thejournal · 5 days ago
UK and France intercept suspected Russian oil tanker in Atlantic, Macron says French president says new tanker was intercepted by France with support of several partners
independent · 5 days ago
Kremlin condemns Frances interception of Russian tanker as illegal, bordering on piracy Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called Frances interception of a sanctioned tanker traveling from Russia in the Atlantic Ocean illegal and bordering on international piracy. President Macron defended the seizure as part of enforcing sanctions and maritime law. Russia is seeking information on crew nationals, including a Russian captain.
yenisafak · 5 days ago
France seizes Russia-linked oil tanker Frances navy has intercepted a sanctioned tanker linked to the Russian oil trade in the Atlantic Ocean and ordered the vessel to head for the French mainland, in a move Russia said was illegal and bordered on "international piracy". French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday posted a video on X showing commandos rappelling from helicopters onto the Tagor, during an operation that occurred the previous day in international waters 400 miles (740 km) west of Brittany.
france24 · 5 days ago
Estonian FM: France sends the right signal on shadow fleet "France sends the right signal: sanctions evasion is not tolerated," Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna said on social media.
news.err · 5 days ago
Kremlin calls French tanker interception international piracy Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow that Frances interception of a sanctioned tanker in the Atlantic Ocean violates international law, adding that Moscow will implement additional safety measures to protect its maritime cargo following what he condemned as acts bordering on international piracy.
yenisafak · 6 days ago
French Navy boards Russia-linked tanker in Atlantic Ocean Video released by France shows naval forces boarding the Russia-linked tanker Tagor in the Atlantic Ocean. Paris says the vessel was intercepted as part of efforts to enforce sanctions and curb Russian oil exports funding the war in Ukraine.
euronews · 6 days ago