The European Union has approved a legal mechanism under its 21st sanctions package, allowing national authorities to confiscate and sell Russian oil seized from blacklisted tankers owned by third countries, ensuring no funds benefit Russian entities.
Ukraine launched a wave of drone attacks on Russian industrial facilities, including a chemical plant and fuel storage sites. Meanwhile, British forces intercepted a Russian oil tanker in the English Channel, part of Moscow's 'shadow fleet' used to circumvent sanctions funding the Ukraine conflict.
Britain boarded and detained the tanker Smyrtos on Sunday in the English Channel, suspecting it of violating sanctions by shipping Russian oil as part of the "shadow fleet." Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated this operation targets resources fueling Putin's war in Ukraine.
The French Navy, with UK support, detained the Tagor oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean for sailing from Russia while under international sanctions. The captain is reportedly a Russian citizen, and the embassy in Paris is seeking information from French authorities.
France intercepted and diverted a Russian oil tanker, the Tagor, in the Atlantic Ocean for allegedly flying a false flag and evading sanctions. President Macron stated the operation complied with maritime law, while Russia condemned it as illegal piracy.
