Updated
Updated · Kyiv Post · Jun 25
France Seizes Shadow Fleet Tanker Deliver Near Sicily as Europe Tightens Russia Oil Sanctions
Updated
Updated · Kyiv Post · Jun 25

France Seizes Shadow Fleet Tanker Deliver Near Sicily as Europe Tightens Russia Oil Sanctions

3 articles · Updated · Kyiv Post · Jun 25

Summary

  • France said it seized the tanker Deliver near Sicily after the French Navy intercepted it on Tuesday for allegedly violating international maritime law.
  • Emmanuel Macron cast the move as part of a wider Western crackdown on Russia’s shadow fleet, saying Europe will not let the vessels bypass sanctions and fund Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
  • The seizure came days after a similar UK operation, underscoring a coordinated European push to raise pressure on Russian oil exports.
  • Earlier this month, French and German lawmakers proposed tougher inspections, detentions and diplomatic pressure on flag states, arguing the aging fleet also poses security and environmental risks.

Insights

Is Russia's 'shadow fleet' a covert navy waging hybrid warfare on Europe's critical infrastructure?
With allies granting sanction waivers, is the West's economic blockade against Russia's war machine starting to crumble?