UK Royal Marines have captured the sanctioned Russian tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel. The vessel, believed to be part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to transport sanctioned fuel, was seized in a UK-led operation aimed at disrupting funding for Russia's war in Ukraine.
The captain of the Russian-flagged Tagor tanker, a Russian national, has been released from custody after the vessel was detained by the French Navy in the Atlantic Ocean. The ship remains anchored under administrative order as part of a judicial investigation.
Russia accuses France of "gopnik style" piracy after detaining a Russian tanker and arresting its captain, calling it a deliberate escalation and hostage-taking to boost Macron's ratings amidst domestic crises.
France has seized the Russian tanker Tagor in the Atlantic Ocean, with the captain identified as a Russian citizen. The French Navy conducted the operation on the high seas with international support. Russia's MFA criticized the seizure as "legal nihilism" and vowed a response to Romania's closure of a Russian consulate.
France has seized the Russian tanker Tagor in the Atlantic Ocean, with the captain identified as a Russian citizen. The operation, supported by partners including the UK, was announced by French President Macron. Russia's Kremlin has called the seizure illegal and akin to piracy.
Ukraine faced a massive Russian missile attack on June 2nd, with air raid sirens sounding and air defense systems active in Kyiv. Meanwhile, French President Macron announced the interception of a Russian oil tanker in the Atlantic for violating sanctions.
The UK assisted the French Navy in monitoring and tracking the Tagor tanker, which was seized in the Atlantic Ocean. Russia has called the detention illegal and bordering on piracy.
France has intercepted a Russian oil tanker in the Atlantic, accusing it of violating international sanctions. Russia has banned aviation fuel exports until November to prevent shortages amid Ukrainian strikes on its oil sector. Ukraine reports a record number of Russian drone attacks in May.
