The Kremlin has lashed out at France following the interception of a Russian-linked oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean, characterizing the operation as an act of international piracy. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned the move during a press conference in Moscow on Monday, labeling the seizure of the vessel as entirely illegal.
Peskov flatly rejected claims that the detention of the ship, which was sailing from Russia, adhered to international legal standards. He emphasized that Moscow is actively implementing measures to safeguard its cargo and will continue to do so, specifically citing the need to account for previous negative experiences involving such maritime incidents.
The diplomatic friction follows a statement by French President Emmanuel Macron, who confirmed that the French Navy intercepted the sanctioned tanker, identified as the Tagor, in international waters. According to Macron, the operation was conducted early Sunday morning with support from several partners, including the United Kingdom, to ensure the strict enforcement of international sanctions and maritime law.
President Macron defended the maneuver, stating that it is unacceptable for vessels to circumvent international sanctions or violate maritime regulations to fund the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He reiterated France’s firm commitment to upholding the global sanctions regime against Moscow.
In response to the interception, the Russian Embassy in France has formally requested detailed information from French authorities regarding the status of the crew. Preliminary reports suggest that the captain of the Tagor is a Russian national. However, the embassy noted that it has yet to receive an official notification from French authorities concerning the specific legal actions taken against the ship or its personnel.
Summary
The Kremlin has strongly condemned France after its navy intercepted a Russian-linked oil tanker, the Tagor, in the Atlantic Ocean. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov characterized the operation as “international piracy” and “entirely illegal,” rejecting claims that the detention adhered to international legal standards. Moscow affirmed it is implementing measures to safeguard its cargo, citing previous negative experiences with maritime incidents.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the interception was conducted in international waters with UK support to enforce international sanctions and maritime law. Macron defended the action, stating it is unacceptable for vessels to circumvent sanctions or violate regulations to fund the conflict in Ukraine. The Russian Embassy in France has requested detailed information regarding the crew, including the reported Russian captain, but awaits official notification from French authorities.