French Navy Intercepts Russia-Linked Oil Tanker in Mediterranean
French naval forces intercepted a Russia-linked oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea on Thursday, as part of a mission targeting sanctioned Russian shadow fleet, authorities said.
The operation was carried out with the support of several allies and conducted in full compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The French navy is escorting the ship, identified as the Grinch, to an anchorage for further checks. The tanker departed from the city of Murmansk in northwestern Russia.
EU Sanctions and Russian Adaptation
The European Union has imposed 19 packages of sanctions against Russia, but Moscow has adapted to most measures and continues to sell millions of barrels of oil to countries such as India and China, typically at discounted prices. Oil revenue is a key part of Russia’s economy, allowing President Vladimir Putin to pour money into the war effort against Ukraine without worsening inflation for everyday people and avoiding a currency collapse.
French and International Efforts to Crack Down on Shadow Fleet
France and other countries have vowed to crack down on the sanction-busting shadow fleet of oil tankers, which experts estimate numbers over 400 ships. They are also trying to secure deals with flag-carrying countries to make it easier to board the vessels.
Russian Response and International Reaction
Moscow said France had not notified Russia about the interception, TASS news agency reported. The Russian consulate in Marseille is trying to find out whether Russian citizens are among the crew members, TASS reported, citing the Russian embassy in France. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the operation, saying such action was “exactly the kind of resolve needed.”
Original Article: French navy intercepts Russia-linked oil tanker in Mediterranean — Dailysabah