In a bold move to uphold international law and enforce sanctions against Russia, the French navy has intercepted one of Moscow’s sanctioned “shadow fleet” oil tankers in the Mediterranean Sea. The operation was carried out with the assistance of British authorities, President Emmanuel Macron revealed on social media.
The vessel, known as the “Grinch,” was stopped in the Alboran Sea, east of Gibraltar, on Thursday. French forces boarded the ship to verify its identity and review its documents, ultimately confirming their suspicions that it was subject to international sanctions and suspected of operating under a false flag.
“We are determined to uphold international law and to ensure the effective enforcement of sanctions,” Macron wrote. “The activities of the ‘shadow fleet’ contribute to financing the war of aggression against Ukraine.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the seizure, calling it the kind of resolve needed to ensure that Russian oil no longer finances Russia’s invasion. He urged tougher sanctions against the entire infrastructure of the shadow fleet, demanding that vessels be apprehended and the oil they carry be confiscated and sold.
The “Grinch” was diverted and is now being escorted by the French Navy to an anchorage for further investigation. A report has been filed with the public prosecutor in Marseille, who has jurisdiction under the maritime court.
This latest interception comes just weeks after British forces supported a US-led mission to intercept a sanctioned Russian-flagged tanker, the Marinera, earlier this month. However, the extent of the UK’s involvement in the French-led operation remains unclear, as the Ministry of Defence has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The crackdown on Russia’s “shadow fleet” is a crucial step in ensuring the effective enforcement of sanctions and cutting off the Kremlin’s ability to finance its ongoing war in Ukraine. As the international community continues to tighten the noose around Russia’s economic lifelines, these types of targeted actions demonstrate a steadfast commitment to upholding international law and denying Putin the resources to wage his illegal invasion.