French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the French Navy boarded an oil tanker named Grinch, which was suspected of violating international sanctions linked to Russia. Macron indicated that the tanker was likely operating under a false flag, part of a network known for evading sanctions designed to halt the financing of the war against Ukraine.

In a statement on social media platform X, Macron stated, "This morning, the French Navy boarded an oil tanker coming from Russia... We will not tolerate any violation." The ship was intercepted while sailing from the Russian port city of Murmansk in the Mediterranean Sea, between southern Spain and northern Morocco.

French maritime authorities are primarily concerned about the activities of this "shadow fleet," which involves tankers frequently changing their flags to obscure their ownership and continue exporting Russian crude oil. The French Navy has taken steps to escort the tanker to port for further investigation.

In a show of unity, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to Macron, emphasizing the necessity of stopping Russian oil shipments. "Russian tankers operating near European shores must be stopped... Vessels must be apprehended," he added.

This operation is part of a broader effort by Western nations to crack down on illegal oil trades associated with Russia and other sanctioned states. Following the U.S. lead, this action emphasizes the international commitment to preventing resources from financing ongoing military conflicts.

There was no immediate response from Russian authorities regarding this operation.