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World
The Kremlin rejects France’s seizure of the Russian-sanctioned oil tanker Tagur and announces plans to enhance protection for oil shipments.
The Kremlin has condemned the French actions against the oil tanker Tagur, which is subject to international sanctions and originates from Russia, emphasizing that Moscow intends to implement additional measures to safeguard its oil tankers.
In a statement issued Monday, the Kremlin described France’s seizure of the vessel as actions approaching international piracy rather than combating international terrorism.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday that the French navy had boarded the oil tanker Tagur in the Atlantic Ocean. The vessel is under international sanctions and linked to Russia, according to Reuters.
Macron stated on his X platform page that the operation took place on the high seas with support from several partners, including the United Kingdom, and was conducted in strict compliance with maritime law.
He added that it is unacceptable for ships to circumvent international sanctions, violate maritime law, and finance the war Russia has waged against Ukraine for over four years.
Media reports indicated that the French naval forces carried out the operation to verify the tanker’s status, documents, and cargo route amid increasing Western efforts to monitor the so-called “shadow fleet” used for transporting Russian oil.
This action occurs against the backdrop of ongoing European and American sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine. Western countries aim to reduce Moscow’s oil revenues by intensifying oversight of shipping and maritime transport activities.
