French navy intercepts Russian tanker, Kremlin calls it 'international piracy'

PARIS: France’s President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said that the French Navy intercepted a new tanker under international sanctions, originating from Russia.

“The French Navy intercepted a new tanker under international sanctions yesterday morning, originating from Russia: the Tagor. Our determination is steadfast and unwavering. This operation was carried out in the Atlantic, in international waters, with the support of several partners, including the United Kingdom, in strict compliance with the law of the sea,” Macron wrote on X.

He noted that it is unacceptable for ships to circumvent international sanctions, violate the law of the sea, and “fund the war that Russia has been waging against Ukraine for more than 4 years.”

According to him, these vessels, “which fail to adhere to the most basic rules of maritime navigation, also pose a threat to the environment and to everyone's safety.”

In response, Dmitry Peskov, the Russian President's Press Secretary, called France’s actions illegal.

"We consider such actions illegal; they border on international piracy," he said.

In April, the European Council adopted the 20th package of sanctions against Russia.