French Authorities Release Detained Russian Tanker Amid Legislative Requirements
President Emmanuel Macron announced that France is forced to release a recently detained tanker belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet due to national legislation requirements. The decision was reported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a telephone conversation with Macron, according to European Pravda.
The detained vessel, identified as the Grinch, was seized on January 22 in the Alboran Sea between Spain and North Africa with the assistance of France‘s allies. The tanker had left Murmansk, Russia, and was heading south when it was intercepted. After being detained, the relevant services launched a judicial investigation, and the vessel was redirected to an unnamed port under the escort of the French Navy.
Zelensky Urges European States to Follow France’s Lead
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on European states to follow France‘s example and stop and arrest tankers belonging to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.” During his conversation with Macron, Zelensky thanked the French leader for detaining the sanctioned tanker Grinch. He emphasized that tankers carrying Russian oil must be stopped and kept, not just temporarily detained and then released.
Zelensky stated that there is a movement towards such decisions, and it will become more difficult for Russia to operate its shadow fleet in the future. The Ukrainian president urged European states to take similar actions against vessels involved in circumventing international sanctions against Russia.
Background on the Sanctioned Tanker
The Grinch was sanctioned by the US on January 10, 2025, and later joined by the EU, Switzerland, the UK, Canada, and Ukraine. The vessel is part of a larger network of ships used to evade international sanctions against Russia. According to reports, the Grinch transported oil and petroleum products from Russian ports on the Baltic and Black Seas, as well as from the Pacific region.
The main destinations for deliveries were China, India, and other third countries. At the request of the Marseille prosecutor’s office, the captain of the ship was taken into custody during the detention process.
Future Plans to Strengthen Sanctions Enforcement
In response to the release of the Grinch, Macron announced plans to change France‘s legislation so that detained Russian tankers remain under arrest in France in the future. This move aims to strengthen sanctions enforcement and prevent similar vessels from evading international restrictions.
Original Article: France Forced to Release Detained Tanker Belonging to Russia’s Shadow Fleet — Militarnyi