Video: France detains a tanker belonging to Russia's shadow fleet in the Atlantic
The French Navy has detained a tanker in the Atlantic Ocean that, according to Paris, belongs to the so-called “shadow fleet.”
French President Emmanuel Macron announced this on X.
“Yesterday morning, the French Navy detained yet another oil tanker subject to international sanctions and sailing from Russia: the Tagor. Our resolve is unwavering and absolute. This operation was carried out in the Atlantic Ocean, on the high seas, with the support of several partners, including the United Kingdom, in strict compliance with the law of the sea. It is unacceptable for ships to circumvent international sanctions, violate maritime law, and finance the war that Russia has been waging against Ukraine for over four years. These vessels, which do not comply with the most basic rules of maritime navigation, also pose a threat to the environment and everyone’s safety,” said French President Emmanuel Macron.
The French Navy boarded a new oil tanker subject to international sanctions from Russia yesterday morning: the Tagor. Our determination is unwavering and absolute.
This operation took place in the Atlantic, on the high seas,… pic.twitter.com/zxEslYjbUE— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 1, 2026
According to MarineTraffic, the Tagor is an oil tanker 252 meters long and 44 meters wide, flying the flag of Madagascar. The vessel is subject to sanctions by the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States, Ukraine, and Switzerland. The tanker departed from the port of Murmansk in early May.
The European Union is considering adding about 20 additional tankers from Russia’s shadow fleet to the upcoming 21st package of restrictive measures aimed at reducing Moscow’s oil revenues. The new sanctions are also planned to be extended to vessels transporting liquefied natural gas to prevent the Kremlin from creating a similar shadow fleet for LNG.
Ukraine has introduced a new package of sanctions against Russian commanders who directed missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, as well as against vessels providing military logistics for Russia.
