The UK assisted French forces in seizing a sanctioned Russian oil tanker in the Atlantic, President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed. The operation took place on Sunday, with the French Navy boarding the vessel, named the Tagor, in international waters.
The seizure is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt Russia's so-called 'shadow fleet' — ageing, poorly insured tankers used to circumvent Western sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine. The Tagor had been subject to sanctions, and its detention marks the latest in a series of such interceptions by allied navies.
“The UK helped France seize a sanctioned Russian oil tanker in the Atlantic, part of efforts to disrupt Moscow's 'shadow fleet'. The Kremlin called it piracy.”
Dramatic video released by President Macron shows French troops rappelling from helicopters onto the tanker amid thick cloud. The footage, set to dance music, was shared on social media by the French leader. France said the UK and other allies provided support during the operation, though details of the British role were not disclosed.
The Kremlin has condemned the seizure, calling it an act of 'piracy'. Russian officials have not yet confirmed the ownership of the vessel or its cargo. The incident is likely to heighten tensions between Moscow and Western nations, who have increasingly targeted shadow fleet vessels to tighten the economic noose on Russia.
Macron confirmed the UK's involvement in a statement, saying the operation was conducted with the support of allies including Britain. The seizure follows similar actions by European navies in recent months, as part of a coordinated push to enforce oil price caps and other sanctions.
For UK readers, the operation highlights Britain's continued role in enforcing international sanctions against Russia. While there is no direct impact on consumers, the disruption of shadow fleet operations could contribute to upwards pressure on global oil prices by reducing the supply of Russian crude reaching world markets.
What happens next remains unclear. Further seizures are expected as allied navies patrol key shipping lanes. The Tagor will likely be escorted to a French port for legal proceedings. The UK government has not commented on whether it will seek to seize any Russian-linked vessels in its own waters.