The French Navy has successfully intercepted a tanker in the Mediterranean Sea, which authorities allege is part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.” This operation aims to enhance compliance with international sanctions against Russia, following the country’s military actions in Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on social media that the oil tanker, reported to have originated in Russia, is subject to international sanctions and is suspected of operating under a false flag. He emphasized that the operation was executed on the high seas with the support of various allies and adhered strictly to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The maritime authorities confirmed that the tanker, named “Grinch,” was seized between Spain and Morocco. Following the interception, an investigation was initiated to gather more information about the vessel and its activities. This operation reflects ongoing efforts by European Union member states to enforce sanctions that have been imposed in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022.
Despite these sanctions, Russia has managed to sustain its oil sales, leveraging discounted prices to maintain trade with countries like China and India. Much of this oil is transported by vessels associated with the shadow fleet, which operates outside the traditional parameters of the Western maritime industry. A report from the Helsinki-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air highlights that over 100 Russian vessels allegedly flew under false flags during the first nine months of the previous year, transporting an estimated 11 million tonnes of oil valued at approximately 4.7 billion euros (.5 billion).
In light of the operation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude towards President Macron for taking decisive action against the tanker. He underscored the importance of such interventions in preventing Russian oil from financing further military engagements. The Russian embassy in France noted that it had not been informed about the interception and is currently working alongside diplomats in Marseille to determine if any Russian nationals were among the crew members, seeking to provide necessary assistance.
This interception serves as a crucial step in the ongoing geopolitical tensions within the region, illustrating the complexities of maritime law and international sanctions in today’s intricate global landscape.
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