France seizes third oil tanker linked to Russian sanctions

Agencies Paris

The French navy has intercepted a sanctioned oil tanker, the Tagor, in the Atlantic, marking the third such seizure in recent months. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the operation, stating it took place in international waters with the support of several partners, including the United Kingdom, in strict compliance with the law of the sea.

A crude oil tanker with that name, registered in Madagascar, was identified on tracking sites after departing from the Russian port of Umba. The Tagor is sanctioned by the European Union, the UK and the United States. Macron remarked that it is unacceptable for ships to circumvent international sanctions, violate maritime laws and fund the war that Russia has been waging against Ukraine for more than four years. He further stated that these vessels, which often fail to adhere to basic navigation rules, pose significant threats to the environment and general safety.

The Kremlin strongly condemned the action taken on Sunday night, describing it as illegal and bordering on international piracy. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the government absolutely disagrees that the seizure was carried out in full compliance with international law. The Russian embassy in Paris reported that the captain is believed to be a Russian citizen and requested information regarding the crew, though French authorities had yet to provide a response.

France has urged a more aggressive Western approach toward intercepting ships suspected of carrying Russian oil in defiance of sanctions. The government contends that these vessels frequently operate under false flags, lack proper safety certifications or remain uninsured. In previous months, France seized other tankers in the Mediterranean and near Morocco on suspicion of being part of Russia’s shadow fleet, a network of several hundred vessels designed to finance the war effort.