French Special Forces Seize Russian Oil Tanker Off Coast of France
French special forces have seized a Russian oil tanker, reportedly belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet, which sells Russian oil while circumventing sanctions. The vessel, identified as the 244-meter-long “Borakai” or officially registered as “Pushpa,” was flying the flag of Benin at the time of its detention.
According to MarineTraffic, the tanker departed from Primorsk, Russia on September 20 and navigated through the Baltic Sea and North Sea before passing near Copenhagen on September 22. It is believed that unknown drones were spotted flying over the city’s airport during this period. The ship then transited the English Channel and was detained by French authorities three days later off the coast of Saint-Nazaire.
The crew of the vessel refused to provide documentation about its nationality and failed to comply with orders, prompting French authorities to take action. Two members of the crew were arrested, identified as the captain and his deputy, according to the prosecutor’s office in Brest.
Official Response and Implications
French President Emmanuel Macron earlier referred to the operation as “a very important military operation” during a meeting at the European summit in Copenhagen. “The specialized teams acted promptly,” he said, adding that the crew had committed many serious errors.
The seized tanker is under European Union sanctions for its involvement in circumventing Western sanctions on Russian oil sales. The vessel’s multiple name changes and flag alterations have raised suspicions, with previous registrations in Benin, Gabon, and the Marshall Islands.
This operation highlights the ongoing efforts of European nations to enforce sanctions against Russian oil exports and curb the activities of vessels attempting to evade these restrictions.
Original Article: Френски командоси задържаха кораб от руския “сенчест” флот (ВИДЕО) — Trud (Bulgarian) | View English Translation