US EditionFrench navy intercepts sanctioned Russian tanker in Mediterranean, Macron says
French navy and allies seized the Russian-sanctioned tanker Grinch suspected of false flag use in Mediterranean; judicial probe launched to enforce sanctions and disrupt shadow fleet.
- On Thursday, January 22, 2026, the French Navy intercepted the sanctioned Russian oil tanker the Grinch in the western Mediterranean, suspecting it of flying a false flag.
- Western leaders describe the problem as a 'shadow fleet' of aging, largely uninsured tankers used to move sanctioned oil, with experts estimating over 400 vessels and the tanker sanctioned by the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom.
- Using United Kingdom-provided intelligence, French naval forces deployed two helicopters to board the tanker and inspect its documentation, releasing photos of the operation.
- French authorities opened a judicial probe and are escorting the vessel, while French President Emmanuel Macron wrote `We are determined to uphold international law and to ensure the effective enforcement of sanctions`.
- Recent allied moves show the interdiction campaign is intensifying, following seven tankers seized by the United States and a Helsinki-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air report on about 11 million tonnes moved by the shadow fleet.
226 Articles
226 Articles
Macron Celebrates France’s Bold Seizure of Russian Tanker
French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly announced the detention of a Russian tanker, signaling a significant escalation amid growing tensions between France and Russia. According to reports from EADaily, the move reflects France’s firm stance on enforcing maritime regulations and responding to geopolitical pressures. The incident adds a new dimension to the increasingly complex relationship [...]
France intercepts Russian oil tanker in Mediterranean suspected of using false flag
France intercepts Russian oil tanker Grinch in Mediterranean Sea suspected of using false flag, redirects vessel to port as President Macron vows to enforce international sanctions on shadow fleet.
Royal Navy intelligence supports French seizure of Russian shadow fleet tanker - Navy Lookout
Today, a sanctioned Russian oil tanker was seized in the Mediterranean by the French Navy, demonstrating a growing shift from rhetoric by European nations towards more active enforcement of sanctions at sea. UK defence officials have confirmed that RN Gibraltar Squadron patrol boat, HMS Dagger, had monitored the tanker Grinch passing Eastward through the Gibraltar […] The post Royal Navy intelligence supports French seizure of Russian shadow fle…
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