France Intercepts Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Off Sicily; UK Plans to Sell Seized Oil

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the French Navy intercepted the Cameroonian-flagged tanker "Deliver" off the coast of Sicily on June 23, alleging it is part of Russia's shadow fleet designed to circumvent Western sanctions. According to France's Maritime Prefecture of the Mediterranean, the vessel was traveling from Primorsk, Russia, and was found to be in violation of maritime law with questionable flag documentation. Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence identified the ship as having been involved in exporting Russian oil since 2024, operating primarily from Baltic and Black Sea ports. The French Navy is now escorting the tanker to an anchorage for additional inspections. Macron characterized the operation as evidence of European determination to counter Russia's sanctions evasion efforts.

The interception follows Britain's earlier capture of the Smyrtos tanker in the English Channel on June 14, which the UK government also identified as a Russian shadow fleet vessel. The British operation involved Royal Marine Commandos, National Crime Agency officers, and support from multiple helicopters and Royal Navy ships. According to reports, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is considering selling over 100,000 metric tons of oil from the Smyrtos, valued at approximately 35 million pounds, with potential proceeds directed to Ukrainian armed forces. British officials assert they have ownership rights over the seized cargo and the authority to determine its disposition.

Russia has responded sharply to the UK's plans. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow will study legal options and exhaust all available mechanisms to respond to the proposed sale. Russian officials, including Federation Council member Vladimir Dzhabarov, characterized the action as piracy and suggested potential harsh retaliatory measures against British interests. The seizures and potential sale of Russian oil represent an escalation in Western enforcement against Russia's shadow fleet—the complex network of aging tankers, shell companies, and flags of convenience through which Russia circumvents international sanctions on its energy sector to finance ongoing military operations.