Kremlin condemns France’s interception of Russian tanker as ‘illegal,’ bordering on piracy

The Kremlin on Monday condemned France’s interception of a tanker under international sanctions that was traveling from Russia in the Atlantic Ocean, calling the action “illegal.” “We consider such actions illegal and bordering on international piracy,” spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists in Moscow. Peskov denied claims that the detention of ships sailing from Russia complies with international law. He added that Russia is taking measures to ensure the safety of its cargo and will continue to do so, “taking into account the negative experience it has had.”

France’s justification

Earlier Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the French Navy had intercepted a sanctioned tanker named the Tagor on Sunday morning on the high seas, with support from several partners including the UK. Macron said the operation was conducted “in strict compliance with the law of the sea” and was part of efforts to enforce international sanctions. “It is unacceptable that ships circumvent international sanctions, violate the law of the sea and finance the war that Russia has been waging against Ukraine for more than four years,” Macron said.

Russian response

The Russian Embassy in France said it had officially requested information from French authorities about the possible presence of Russian nationals among the crew. Initial information indicates that the captain of the tanker is a Russian citizen, but the embassy has yet to receive a formal notification from French authorities.