The French Navy boarded an oil tanker from Russia subject to international sanctions and suspected of flying a false flag on the high seas in the Mediterranean this morning, according to French President Emmanuel Macron in a statement on X during the reporting window from 12:46 PM to 3:46 PM UTC on January 22, 2026. The operation was conducted with support from several allies and in strict compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Macron stated. A judicial investigation has been opened, and the vessel has been diverted. Macron emphasized France's determination to uphold international law and enforce sanctions, noting that activities of the 'shadow fleet' contribute to financing the war of aggression against Ukraine. He added, 'We will not tolerate any violation.' No further details on the tanker's name, specific location within the Mediterranean, or identities of allied forces were provided in the statement.
