French Navy, Supported by U.K., Intercepts Russian Sanctioned Tanker in Atlantic
The French Navy, with assistance from the United Kingdom, intercepted an oil tanker named Tagor, which was under international sanctions and traveling from Russia. This action is part of ongoing efforts by countries supporting Ukraine to curb Russian oil exports that finance President Vladimir Putin's war efforts. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the interception, highlighting that the tanker was boarded in the Atlantic by French troops descending from a military helicopter. The tanker, suspected of operating under a false flag, was traveling from Murmansk, Russia, and was intercepted over 400 nautical miles west of France. The French navy is escorting the tanker for further checks, and a criminal investigation has been opened against the captain for failing to provide proof of nationality and refusing to comply with orders.