France intensifies pressure on Russia's shadow fleet with fourth seizure

France is intensifying its controls against Russia's shadow fleet: The French Navy stopped the oil tanker Tagor in the Atlantic, which is suspected to belong to Russia's shadow fleet. This is already the fourth seizure of such a vessel by France. The tanker was operating under a false flag – a common obfuscation tactic to circumvent sanctions.

The action demonstrates how France is advancing the enforcement of EU sanctions. An expert warns of the global dangers posed by this fleet, calling it a "ticking time bomb", as the ships often operate in poor condition and pose environmental risks.

EU tightens sanctions pressure against Russia

At EU level, sanctions pressure is accelerating: The EU is working on a new, 21st sanctions package against Russia, which is to be adopted by the end of next week. Measures are planned against Russia's oil revenues, banks, and specifically targeting the shadow fleet. However, a problem has emerged: European insurers continue to support Russia's shadow fleet through insurance policies processed via European financial markets. The new package is intended to close this loophole.

The Kremlin responded to the French action with threats. The escalation underscores how central the shadow fleet has become to Russia's economy – it enables the country to generate revenues despite the oil embargo. France's repeated seizures and the EU's tightened sanctions suggest that the West intends to systematically seal off these circumvention routes.