The French navy has successfully intercepted a sanctioned oil tanker, the Tagor, which had set sail from a Russian port. This marks the third such seizure in recent months, underscoring the ongoing international efforts to enforce sanctions against Russia. The interception took place in international waters with the assistance of several partners, including the United Kingdom, and was conducted in strict compliance with the law of the sea, according to French President Emmanuel Macron.
International Sanctions and Maritime Law
The Tagor, a crude oil tanker registered in Madagascar, was tracked in the North Atlantic after departing from the Russian port of Umba. The vessel has been sanctioned by the European Union, the UK, and the United States. President Macron emphasized the importance of adhering to international sanctions, stating that it is unacceptable for ships to circumvent these measures, which fund the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Macron also highlighted the environmental and safety risks posed by vessels that do not comply with basic maritime navigation rules. The French action has been met with criticism from the Kremlin, which labeled the seizure as “illegal” and akin to “international piracy.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed disagreement with France’s interpretation of international law.
Efforts to Curb Russia’s Shadow Fleet
The captain of the Tagor is believed to be a Russian citizen, and the Russian embassy in Paris has sought information from French authorities regarding the presence of Russian citizens among the crew. France has been advocating for a tougher Western stance on intercepting ships carrying Russian oil in defiance of sanctions, noting that these vessels often operate under false flags and lack proper insurance or safety certification.
In March, the French navy seized another oil tanker in the Mediterranean, which Macron identified as part of Russia’s “shadow fleet”—a network of tankers used to evade sanctions. The UK government has also prioritized disrupting this fleet to cut off funding for Russia’s military efforts. Earlier this year, Belgium, with French assistance, intercepted a tanker suspected of using false documentation.
While the United States has eased some sanctions on Russian oil already at sea due to disruptions in Middle Eastern oil supplies, Europe has maintained its stance. The ongoing efforts to enforce sanctions highlight the complex geopolitical landscape and the challenges of maintaining international maritime law.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
