Kremlin calls French interception of Russian tanker in Atlantic illegal

The Kremlin said on Monday that France’s interception of a tanker subject to international sanctions sailing from Russia in the Atlantic was ‘illegal’. ‘We consider the action illegal and almost akin to international piracy,’ Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters in a Moscow press conference. Peskov denied claims that the detention of the vessel sailing from Russia was in line with international law. He added that Russia has taken steps to ensure the safety of its cargo and will continue doing so, ‘taking into account the negative experiences it has faced.’ Earlier on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron said his navy intercepted a sanctioned Russian tanker sailing from Russia in the Atlantic, describing the move as part of efforts to enforce sanctions and uphold maritime law. Macron stated that the French Navy’s interception of the tanker named Tagor on Sunday morning took place in international waters with support from several partners, including the UK, and was conducted ‘in strict compliance with maritime law.’ Paris added that it remains fully committed to enforcing international sanctions, and ‘it is unacceptable for vessels to evade sanctions, breach maritime law, and fund the war Russia has waged against Ukraine for over four years.’ In a statement regarding the tanker seizure, the Russian Embassy in France said it had formally requested information from French authorities about the possible presence of Russian citizens among the crew. It was stated that initial information indicated the tanker’s captain is a Russian national, and the embassy has not yet received notification from French authorities regarding the actions taken concerning the vessel.