French Navy Seizes Tanker Tied to Russian Shadow Fleet
Western Mediterranean, FranceFri Mar 20 2026
The French navy stopped a ship in the western Mediterranean on Friday.
They say the tanker is part of Russia’s shadow fleet, a group that moves oil when sanctions are in place.
The vessel, called Deyna, flew a false flag and was headed from Murmansk.
French officials said they boarded the ship with help from Britain.
President Macron posted on X that these ships break international law and fund Russia’s war.
He called them “war profiteers. ”
Russia has not yet responded to the seizure.
They have previously called such actions piracy.
This is France’s second raid this year on suspected shadow‑fleet tankers.
In January, they stopped the Grinch off Spain’s coast.
Earlier in March, French forces helped Belgium intercept another vessel.
The seized tanker was taken to an anchorage for inspection.
French military said the move followed a prosecutor’s request.
