French naval personnel boarded a "Russian oil tanker" in the Mediterranean Sea this morning on suspicion that the vessel is part of Russia's "shadow fleet" that is financing its war against Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron said, quoted by Agence France-Presse, BTA reports.
The "Grinch" tanker, which has been subject to international sanctions and is suspected of sailing under a false flag, was intercepted "with the help of several of our allies" in full compliance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Macron wrote on the social network "Ex", adding that "the ship has been diverted" and "a judicial investigation has now begun."
"We are determined to adhere to international law and ensure the implementation of sanctions", said the French president, who also shared a photo of a French helicopter flying over the ship.