France Seizes Oil Tanker from Russia in Mediterranean

French President Emmanuel Macron says vessel subject to international sanctions, suspected of ‘flying false flag’.

The French Navy intercepted the oil tanker “Grinch” in the Mediterranean, which is alleged to belong to Russia’s “shadow fleet” aimed at bypassing international sanctions. President Macron confirmed the vessel was coming from Russia and emphasized the operation’s adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy praised the action, highlighting its importance in curbing funding for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Russian embassy in France expressed concerns over the crew’s nationality and the lack of prior notification regarding the interception.