French Navy seizes Russia-linked oil tanker in high seas, Macron says

The French Navy boarded the oil tanker *Tagor* on Sunday in the Atlantic Ocean, over 400 nautical miles west of Brittany, after it was suspected of flying a false flag. The vessel, originating from Murmansk, Russia, was diverted following confirmation of irregularities in its documentation, as stated by the Maritime Prefecture of the Atlantic. The operation involved international partners, including the UK, and adhered to the law of the sea. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the ship’s actions, calling it unacceptable for vessels to bypass sanctions and violate maritime law, particularly as they contribute to Russia’s war in Ukraine. This incident follows France’s January interception of the *Grinch* tanker in the Mediterranean, also linked to Russia’s sanctioned ‘shadow fleet.’ France and the UK have committed to disrupting ships suspected of transporting illegal Russian oil or goods, which are used to fund Putin’s military efforts. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously authorized military boarding of such vessels, though shipping data indicates dozens of sanctioned ships continue to traverse UK waters. The French operation underscores broader efforts to enforce sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet, which operates under false flags to evade restrictions. No immediate response was reported from Moscow regarding the latest seizure.