French military personnel have intercepted the sanctioned oil tanker Deliver in the Mediterranean Sea near Sicily. The vessel is considered part of Russia‘s shadow fleet.
The French Navy detained the oil tanker Deliver on June 23, which belongs to Russia‘s shadow fleet. According to MarineTraffic data, the vessel was sailing under the flag of Cameroon and traveling from the Russian port of Primorsk to Singapore.
European Resolve
French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted France’s seizure of the sanctioned tanker just days after the UK carried out a similar operation, detaining the vessel Smyrtos. Macron emphasized that Europe will continue to pressure Russia by increasing the cost of the war for it. He stated, “We will not allow the shadow fleet to circumvent sanctions and finance Russia’s military actions. Europe is determined. It will make every necessary effort to increase the cost of the war for Russia and ensure a strong and lasting peace in Ukraine.”
Background on Russian Shadow Fleet
On May 31, France detained the Russian oil tanker Tagor in the Atlantic Ocean. This was the fourth time France had intercepted vessels from Russia‘s shadow fleet. The previous three tankers were detained but later resumed their journeys after paying fines.
The UK government is considering a plan to sell 98,000 tonnes of Russian crude oil from a shadow fleet tanker seized by London and transfer the proceeds to Ukraine, according to The Telegraph.
Original Article: France detains another Russian shadow fleet tanker near Sicily – video — Ukrainska Pravda