France Seizes Russian Oil Tanker in International Waters

Updated: 8:42 AM PKT — June 2, 2026

The French Navy has seized a sanctioned Russian oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean, an operation conducted in cooperation with multiple partners, including the United Kingdom. French President Macron stated the action was taken due to violations of maritime law and the vessel’s role in supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine.

The Kremlin has strongly condemned the seizure, labeling it an illegal act of ‘international maritime piracy’ and vowing to take measures to protect its cargo. A French prosecutor has launched a criminal investigation into the incident after the tanker’s captain reportedly refused to comply with orders and the vessel was found not to be flying a flag of nationality.