France detains another Russian shadow fleet tanker near Sicily – video

French military personnel have intercepted the sanctioned oil tanker Deliver in the Mediterranean Sea near Sicily. The vessel is considered part of Russia's shadow fleet.

Source: European Pravda, citing French President Emmanuel Macron on X (Twitter)

Details: On 23 June, the French Navy detained the oil tanker Deliver, which belongs to Russia's shadow fleet.

MarineTraffic data shows the vessel was sailing under the flag of Cameroon and travelling from the Russian port of Primorsk to Singapore.

Macron noted that France has seized the sanctioned tanker just days after the UK carried out a similar operation, detaining the vessel Smyrtos, which he said shows European resolve.

He also pointed out that Europe will continue to pressure Russia by increasing the cost of the war for it.

Quote: "We will not allow the shadow fleet to circumvent sanctions and finance Russia's military actions. Europe is determined. It will make every necessary effort to increase the cost of the war for Russia and ensure a strong and lasting peace in Ukraine."

Background:

• On 31 May, France detained the Russian oil tanker Tagor in the Atlantic Ocean. This was the fourth time France had intercepted vessels from Russia's shadow fleet. The previous three tankers were detained but later resumed their journeys after paying fines.
• The Telegraph reported earlier that the UK government is considering a plan to sell 98,000 tonnes of Russian crude oil from a shadow fleet tanker seized by London and transfer the proceeds to Ukraine.

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