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Russia accuses France of 'piracy' over oil tanker detentions
Russia's Foreign Ministry has condemned France's detention of oil tankers linked to the Russian 'shadow fleet,' labeling the actions as 'piracy and maritime looting.' Artyom Studenikov, Director of the European Department, claimed that France follows a pattern of detaining vessels, directing them to French ports, and then releasing them after fines are paid.
Studenikov asserted that the 21st package of EU sanctions against Russia effectively grants member states the right to seize transported oil. This comes as European nations, led by France, increase pressure on the shadow fleet—a group of tankers used by Moscow to bypass Western sanctions. Since September of last year, the French Navy has reportedly detained five tankers flying various flags.
In addition to French actions, the United Kingdom has sanctioned 18 Russian tankers. Meanwhile, the European Commission is reportedly preparing a new sanctions package targeting over 50 tankers. While the EU views these vessels as threats to maritime security and the environment, Russia maintains that these measures are illegal and will not weaken its economy, stating it will continue to seek alternative export routes through Asia and China.
Entities
Artyom Studenikov · European Commission · European Union · France · Russian Foreign Ministry
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The European Commission is preparing a new sanctions package targeting more than 50 tankers in the Russian shadow fleet. almanartv.com.lb · almanar.com.lb
- [● 3 SOURCES] Studenikov claimed a pattern exists where ships are detained, moved to French ports, fined, and then released. almanartv.com.lb · almanar.com.lb
- [● 2 SOURCES] The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on 18 Russian oil tankers involved in crude oil transport. almanartv.com.lb · almanar.com.lb
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The French Navy has detained five oil tankers flying different flags since September of last year.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the 21st sanctions package allows EU countries to seize transported oil. almanartv.com.lb · almanar.com.lb
- [● 3 SOURCES] Artyom Studenikov described France's detention of oil tankers linked to the Russian 'shadow fleet' as 'piracy and maritime looting'. almanartv.com.lb · almanar.com.lb