US EditionFrench navy intercepts sanctioned Russian tanker in Mediterranean, Macron says
- 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.
142 Articles
142 Articles
Once again, the French Navy has boarded an oil tanker that is supposed to be in contact with Russia. Ukrainian President Selenskyy welcomed the "decisive" action against the "Grinch".
In the Mediterranean, France stops a tanker that comes from Russia and could fly under false flags. President Selenskyj announces new talks and an agreement with Donald Trump on US security guarantees. All news in the ticker.
France Seizes Oil Tanker Departing Russia in Mediterranean
The French navy boarded a sanctioned oil tanker Thursday departing Russia flying under a false flag in the Mediterranean Sea, French President Emmanuel Macron said. The operation was carried out with several allies and in strict compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Macron said. “We are determined to uphold international law and to ensure the effective enforcement of sanctions,” Macron posted in a statement on X. “…
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