France boards sanctioned Russian shadow fleet tanker in Atlantic - Macron
France intercepts Russian oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean (photo: Getty Images)
The French Navy boarded the oil tanker Tagor on Saturday morning. The vessel had departed from Russia and is under international sanctions, French President Emmanuel Macron said.
According to Macron, the operation was carried out in the Atlantic Ocean, on the high seas, with the support of several partners, including the United Kingdom. French military personnel acted in strict compliance with maritime law.
"Our determination is steadfast and unwavering," the French president stressed.
He emphasized that shadow fleet vessels simultaneously evade sanctions, violate maritime law, and finance Russia's war against Ukraine.
La Marine nationale a arraisonné hier matin un nouveau pétrolier sous sanctions internationales en provenance de Russie : le Tagor. Notre détermination est constante et totale.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 1, 2026
Cette intervention a été effectuée en Atlantique, en haute mer,… pic.twitter.com/zxEslYjbUE
"It is unacceptable for ships to circumvent international sanctions, violate the law of the sea, and fund the war that Russia has been waging against Ukraine for more than 4 years," Macron said.
The French president also drew attention to the risks such vessels pose to the environment and maritime safety.
"These vessels, which fail to adhere to the most basic rules of maritime navigation, also pose a threat to the environment and to everyone's safety," he added.
In October 2025, French military personnel boarded the tanker Boracay near Saint-Nazaire. The vessel was suspected of involvement in drone launches over Denmark.
The captain was later sentenced to one year in prison and fined 150,000 euros.
In January 2026, France intercepted another sanctioned tanker in the Mediterranean Sea, and in March, the vessel Deyna.
