“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.”
France has intercepted and seized another tanker linked to Russia’s so called shadow fleet, triggering a furious response from Moscow and further escalating tensions between Russia and Western nations.
The vessel, identified as the Tagor, was boarded by French naval forces in the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday after authorities suspected it was operating under a false flag while transporting Russian oil. French officials said the operation was carried out in international waters with support from allies, including the United Kingdom.
Videos released by the French government showed military personnel descending from helicopters onto the deck of the tanker during the operation.
French President Emmanuel Macron personally announced the interception, saying the action was part of a broader effort to enforce sanctions imposed on Russia over its war in Ukraine.
“These vessels, which fail to adhere to the most basic rules of maritime navigation, also pose a threat to the environment and to everyone’s safety,” Macron said.
According to French authorities, the tanker had departed from a Russian port before being tracked across the Atlantic. Investigators believe the ship was using irregular registration documents and was sailing under a questionable flag designation, a tactic often associated with vessels attempting to avoid sanctions enforcement.
The seizure marks the latest move against what Western governments describe as Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a network of aging tankers that allegedly use complex ownership structures, frequent flag changes and opaque registrations to continue exporting Russian oil despite sanctions.
France has become increasingly aggressive in targeting those vessels.
Since late 2025, French authorities have intercepted several tankers suspected of participating in sanctions evasion operations. Similar actions have also been carried out with support from European allies.
Russia reacted angrily.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned the operation and accused France of acting outside international law.
“Illegal, bordering on international piracy,” Peskov said when asked about the seizure.
Russian officials also warned that Moscow would take steps to protect its maritime interests and shipping operations following the incident.
The dispute highlights the growing battle over Russia’s oil exports.
Energy sales remain one of Moscow’s most important sources of revenue, helping finance its military operations while cushioning the Russian economy from the full impact of Western sanctions. Because of that, Western governments have increasingly focused on disrupting shipping networks they believe are helping Russia move oil around the world.
For France, the message was clear.
Officials say the operation was conducted within international law and was aimed at enforcing sanctions already agreed upon by Western allies.
For Russia, it was something else entirely.
What France describes as sanctions enforcement, Moscow is calling piracy.
And with the war in Ukraine now stretching into its fifth year, neither side appears willing to soften its position.
