Kremlin calls French tanker interception 'international piracy'

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday condemned France’s interception of a Russian-linked tanker in the Atlantic Ocean as "international piracy," rejecting claims that the detention complies with maritime law. Speaking to journalists in Moscow, Peskov dismissed assertions that the operation adhered to legal standards and warned that Moscow views the seizure as illicit.

Russian Countermeasures

"We consider such actions illegal and bordering on international piracy," he said, adding that Russian authorities are developing specific protocols to safeguard future shipments. Peskov noted that the Kremlin will continue implementing protective measures in light of the "negative experience" gained from the incident.

French Operation

French President Emmanuel Macron earlier confirmed that his country’s navy intercepted the sanctioned vessel, describing the operation as part of efforts to enforce sanctions and uphold maritime law. The action marks a rare instance of direct French military interception of Russian commercial shipping on the high seas amid ongoing tensions between Moscow and Western capitals.