France seizes tanker suspected of belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet

The French Navy has apprehended a tanker belonging to Russia's shadow fleet in the Indian Ocean, announced President Emmanuel Macron, as relayed by UATV English. Authorities suspect the vessel was engaged in illicit fuel transportation and was sailing under a false flag. Macron emphasized France's commitment to combating Russia's shadow fleet wherever it operates globally.

This interception occurs as Ukraine and its international allies persist in efforts to obstruct Russia's utilization of shadow fleet vessels for oil and petroleum product exports while circumventing sanctions. Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Directorate recently disclosed information on 20 additional vessels allegedly utilized by Russia for oil, petroleum product, and liquefied natural gas transportation, as well as refueling of sanctioned vessels.