France seized a Russian oil tanker, the "Grinch," in the Mediterranean Sea on Thursday, suspecting it of violating international sanctions and operating under a false flag as part of Russia's "shadow fleet," according to French officials. The French navy, with assistance from allies including the UK, boarded the vessel between Spain and Morocco.
President Emmanuel Macron announced the seizure, emphasizing the international commitment to enforcing sanctions against Russia and disrupting clandestine activities that support the war in Ukraine. The "Grinch" had set sail from Murmansk in northern Russia, officials said.
French maritime authorities stated that a search of the vessel "confirmed the doubts as to the regularity of the flag." The "shadow fleet" is reportedly used to circumvent restrictions on Russian oil exports.
The Russian embassy in Paris said it had not been informed of the seizure. The incident underscores international efforts to enforce sanctions against Russia and combat clandestine activities financing the conflict in Ukraine.
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