France has seized another oil tanker linked to Russia’s sanctioned oil trade, marking the third known interception of such a vessel in recent months. The latest action highlights growing efforts by European countries to curb Russia’s ability to bypass international sanctions imposed over the war in Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday that the French navy had intercepted the tanker, identified as the Tagor, in the Atlantic Ocean. According to Macron, the operation took place in international waters and was carried out with assistance from several partner nations, including the United Kingdom. He stated that the seizure was conducted in accordance with international maritime law.

The Tagor had recently departed from the Russian port of Umba before being tracked in the North Atlantic. Ship-tracking data showed a crude oil tanker registered in Madagascar under the same name operating in the area five days before the seizure. The vessel is currently under sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Commenting on the operation, Macron said, “It is unacceptable for ships to circumvent international sanctions, violate the law of the sea, and fund the war that Russia has been waging against Ukraine for more than four years.”

He also raised concerns about maritime safety and environmental risks linked to such vessels. “These vessels, which fail to adhere to the most basic rules of maritime navigation, also pose a threat to the environment and to everyone’s safety.”

Russia strongly condemned the move. The Kremlin described France’s action as unlawful and accused Paris of overstepping international norms. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the seizure was “illegal, bordering on international piracy.”

Peskov further stated, “We absolutely disagree that they are being carried out in full compliance with international law.”

According to Russia’s state news agency TASS, the captain of the Tagor is believed to be a Russian citizen. The Russian Embassy in Paris said it had sought information from French authorities regarding the presence of Russian nationals among the crew members. However, it had not yet received a response.

France has repeatedly called for stronger Western measures against ships transporting Russian oil in violation of sanctions. French officials argue that many of these vessels operate under false identities, lack proper insurance coverage, or do not possess the required safety certifications. Authorities say such practices allow Russia to continue exporting oil despite restrictions imposed by Western nations.

The latest seizure follows a series of similar actions by European countries. In March, the French navy intercepted another oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea that Macron said was part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet. These vessels are believed to form a large network used by Moscow to evade sanctions and maintain oil exports.

At the time, Macron said these ships “seek to reap profits and finance Russia’s war effort.”

The shadow fleet is estimated to include several hundred tankers operating across global shipping routes. Western governments claim these vessels use various methods to conceal their origins and ownership. Many reportedly sail under flags of convenience or employ other tactics to avoid detection.

While Europe has maintained strict restrictions on Russian oil shipments, the United States has recently taken a somewhat different approach. Washington has eased sanctions on Russian oil already at sea as disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East have affected global oil supplies. European governments, however, have not adopted a similar policy and continue to support tougher enforcement measures.

The United Kingdom has also emphasised the importance of targeting Russia’s shadow fleet. In March, the British government stated that “disrupting, deterring and degrading Russia’s shadow fleet – and starving Putin’s war machine of funds – ⁠is a priority for this government” and its allies.

The Tagor seizure is not the first operation conducted by France this year. In January, French authorities stopped another oil tanker between southern Spain and northern Morocco after suspecting it was linked to the Russian shadow fleet. The vessel was investigated as part of broader efforts to monitor sanction evasion in European waters.

Belgium has also taken action against suspected shadow fleet operations. In March, Belgian authorities intercepted a tanker believed to be sailing with a false flag and forged documents. French authorities assisted in that operation.

The latest interception signals continued European determination to enforce sanctions against Russia and disrupt oil shipments believed to be helping finance Moscow’s military activities in Ukraine. As Western countries intensify scrutiny of maritime trade routes, ships suspected of violating sanctions are likely to face increasing monitoring and enforcement actions.