France has detained a tanker belonging to the Russian “shadow fleet.”

The French Navy detained the Russian tanker Tagor, which is under international sanctions, in the Atlantic Ocean. The Kremlin called the actions illegal and stated that they “bordered on piracy.”

French President Emmanuel Macron announced this on the X network.

According to him, the operation was carried out on the high seas with the support of international partners, including the UK, in compliance with international maritime law.

“It is unacceptable for ships to circumvent international sanctions, violate maritime law, and finance Russia’s war against Ukraine. Such vessels also pose a threat to the environment and maritime safety,” Macron emphasized.

In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow does not recognize the legitimacy of the tanker’s detention.

“We consider such actions illegal, bordering on international piracy. We absolutely disagree with the assertion that they are carried out in full compliance with international law,” Peskov said.

In recent months, France has been tightening controls on the activities of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” – tankers used to circumvent sanctions and export Russian oil.

As a reminder,Russia continues to expand its shadow fleet for transporting liquefied natural gas, which is subject to US sanctions.