Paris, France – French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed that his country is resolutely committed to enforcing international law and ensuring the effectiveness of sanctions imposed on Russia. He announced that the French Navy had intercepted an oil tanker coming from Russia, which was subject to international sanctions and suspected of flying a false flag.
In a post on the “X” platform, Macron stated, “We will not let anything go unpunished,” emphasizing that the operation falls within the framework of France’s strict commitment to implementing international sanctions and preventing their circumvention, particularly those targeting the sources of funding for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Strict legal procedures
The French Presidency explained that the interception of the tanker was carried out in the Mediterranean Sea,
with the participation and coordination of several allied countries,
and in full compliance with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
It added that the intervention was conducted according to strict legal procedures, without violating the freedom of maritime navigation.
French authorities stated that a judicial investigation was immediately opened to uncover the circumstances of the incident,
verify the identity of the ship, the nature of its cargo, and the parties responsible for operating it,
given the suspicion that it belonged to what is known as the “ghost fleet,”
which is used to circumvent international sanctions imposed on Russian energy exports.
Ghost fleet threats
According to the statement, the tanker was diverted and taken to an undisclosed location, pending the completion of investigations
and the initiation of necessary legal proceedings against it, in accordance with applicable French and international laws.
Macron affirmed that the activities of the “ghost fleet” constitute a direct threat to the international sanctions regime
and indirectly contribute to financing what he described as Russia’s “war of aggression” against Ukraine.
He emphasized that France and its partners will not tolerate these practices.
The French president added that his country will continue working with
its European and international allies to strengthen maritime surveillance
and tighten measures against any attempts to circumvent sanctions,
within the framework of supporting international efforts aimed at ending the war
and ensuring respect for international law and the sovereignty of states.
