Image: from Ynet Global X @ynetnews
By Open Chronicle with agencies
France has seized a tanker allegedly linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet in a move that underscores Europe’s growing determination to tighten sanctions enforcement against Moscow and disrupt the networks used to finance its war in Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that the French Navy intercepted the tanker Deliver off the coast of Sicily on Tuesday after the vessel was allegedly found violating international maritime law. Macron shared footage of the operation on social media, describing it as another significant step in Europe’s campaign against Russia’s clandestine oil transport network.
The French leader said the seizure followed similar action recently taken by the United Kingdom and reflected a coordinated European effort to prevent Russia from bypassing sanctions imposed after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“We will not allow the shadow fleet to circumvent sanctions and finance Russia’s war effort,” Macron stated, adding that Europe remains committed to increasing economic pressure on Moscow while supporting a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
Russia has increasingly relied on an extensive network of aging oil tankers operating under opaque ownership structures and changing national flags to continue exporting crude oil despite Western restrictions. These vessels, commonly referred to as the shadow fleet, often operate with limited insurance coverage, reduced transparency, and questionable maintenance standards, raising growing concerns over maritime safety and environmental protection.
The seizure of the Deliver comes as European governments intensify efforts to target the fleet more aggressively. Earlier this month, lawmakers from France and Germany introduced a joint proposal calling for tougher inspections of suspected vessels, detention of ships found violating international regulations, and stronger diplomatic engagement with countries whose flags are frequently used by the tankers.
The initiative has received support from members of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union, the Social Democratic Party, and the Green Party, reflecting broad political backing for stricter enforcement measures.
Supporters of the proposal argue that the shadow fleet represents more than a sanctions evasion mechanism. They warn that many of the vessels are old, poorly maintained, and operate with limited regulatory oversight, increasing the risk of maritime accidents and environmental disasters in European waters.
European leaders have repeatedly stressed that reducing Russia’s ability to generate oil revenue remains central to sustaining pressure on the Kremlin as the conflict in Ukraine continues.