France Seizes Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Tagor in Atlantic with UK Support
On May 31, 2026, the French Navy, with UK support, seized the oil tanker Tagor in international Atlantic waters, marking France’s fourth such operation against Russia’s shadow fleet. The vessel was accused of evading Western sanctions on Russian oil exports, which fund the war in Ukraine. President Macron released video of the boarding. Russia condemned the seizure as illegal piracy. Separately, the US extended temporary sanctions relief on Russian oil by 30 days.
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Russia Demands France Release Captain of Detained Sanctioned Tanker
Russia has demanded that France release the captain of a tanker detained by French authorities in the Atlantic Ocean. The vessel, the Tagor, was intercepted by the French Navy on June 1, 2026, as part of European efforts to enforce sanctions against Russia's oil trade, which Moscow labels as 'international piracy.' The Russian embassy in Paris stated that the captain, a Russian national, was detained on what it called 'trumped-up' charges and demanded immediate consular access and release. France and Britain have vowed to obstruct vessels from Russia's so-called 'shadow fleet' used to circumvent Western sanctions. Russia rejects this label, insists its oil shipments are legitimate, and warns it reserves the right to protect its shipping. The incident highlights escalating tensions over enforcement of sanctions related to Russia's war in Ukraine.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.France Seizes Russian Shadow Fleet Vessel with UK Support
France has seized a Russian suspected shadow fleet vessel, the Tagor, with support from the United Kingdom, which recently expanded its military powers to detain Russian ships evading sanctions. The operation marks France's fourth seizure of a Russian ship this year as European capitals crack down on Kremlin circumvention of Western sanctions. Moscow's envoy in Paris confirmed the Tagor's captain is a Russian citizen. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned the seizure as 'illegal' and bordering on 'international piracy,' warning that Moscow will take this 'negative experience' into account to ensure cargo safety. The tanker is being escorted to a port by French ships, according to France's prefect for the Atlantic. A French court previously sentenced a ship captain in March for operating a Russian vessel.
"site:politico.eu" - Google NewsFrench Navy Seizes Sanctioned Russian Oil Tanker with UK Support
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday that the French navy, supported by the United Kingdom, seized a sanctioned Russian oil tanker named Tagor in the Atlantic Ocean. Macron posted a video on social media platform X showing the boarding operation on Sunday morning, including a person rappelling from a helicopter onto the cargo ship. The seizure underscores ongoing Western efforts to enforce sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The tanker was targeted for violating international sanctions, and the operation highlights close cooperation between French and British naval forces in monitoring and intercepting sanctioned vessels.
Just In NewsFrench Navy, with UK support, intercepts sanctioned Russian oil tanker in Atlantic
The French Navy, backed by the United Kingdom, intercepted the oil tanker Tagor in the Atlantic Ocean on May 31, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to enforce international sanctions against Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the operation, stating that such vessels skirt sanctions, violate maritime law, and finance Russia's war in Ukraine. The Tagor is part of a so-called 'shadow fleet' used by Moscow to evade oil export restrictions. This follows similar interceptions by French naval forces, including the Deyna in March and the Grinch in January 2026. The operation underscores Western resolve to cut off Russian oil revenue funding the conflict.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.French Navy Seizes Russia-Linked Oil Tanker in the Atlantic
The French Navy has seized a Russia-linked oil tanker, the Tagor, in the Atlantic Ocean, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on June 1, 2026. The vessel, which departed from Russia and is under international sanctions, was boarded on Sunday morning in international waters. The operation was conducted with support from France's allies, including the United Kingdom. Macron stated that France is actively working to prevent shadow fleet vessels from evading sanctions. The seizure underscores ongoing Western efforts to enforce sanctions against Russia related to its energy exports.
OilPrice.com Daily News UpdateFrance Seizes Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker in Atlantic with UK Support
The French Navy, with British support, detained the oil tanker 'Tagor' in international waters in the Atlantic on Sunday, marking the fourth such arrest by France targeting Russia's shadow fleet. President Emmanuel Macron released video footage of the operation. Western states accuse Russia of using aging, foreign-flagged vessels to evade sanctions on oil exports. The shadow fleet is estimated to include 800 to 1,000 ships. Separately, the US Treasury extended a temporary sanctions relief on Russian oil by 30 days, allowing vulnerable countries continued access, while excluding deliveries to Iran, Cuba, North Korea, and Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories. France previously detained the tanker 'Deyna' in March, which was released after a payment.
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