French Navy Seizes Russian Oil Tanker EU US UK Sanctions on Russian Oil Ukraine War Funding Operations Grinch Tanker Marseille Investigation International Maritime Law Enforcement — French Navy commandos boarding the Aframax tanker Grinch west of Spain to enforce international sanctions on Russian oil.

French Navy Seizes Russian Oil Tanker Grinch in Mediterranean

French Navy seizes Aframax tanker Grinch carrying Russian oil, enforcing EU, UK, and US sanctions amid Ukraine war concerns.

By News Editor Last updated Jan 22, 2026

French Navy’s – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – President Emmanuel Macron announced the French Navy’s seizure of the Grinch, an Aframax tanker flagged to Comoros and listed on EU, UK, and US sanctions for carrying Russian oil in violation of post-2022 restrictions.

We will not tolerate any violation.

This morning, the French Navy boarded an oil tanker coming from Russia, subject to international sanctions and suspected of flying a false flag.

The operation was conducted on the high seas in the Mediterranean,… pic.twitter.com/zhXVdzPx1r

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 22, 2026

Commandos boarded the vessel west of Spain under UN maritime law, guided by UK intelligence, after it passed through the Strait of Gibraltar following unreported transfers near Turkey.

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The ship now heads under escort for inspection in Marseille amid a judicial probe, as officials link such shadow fleet operations to funding Russia’s war in Ukraine.