The latest escalation in international waters has led to the direct intervention of the French Navy in the transportation of Russian energy resources. President Emmanuel Macron officially confirmed that this morning, French Navy special forces seized an oil tanker en route from Russia. The operation was carried out on the high seas in the Mediterranean Sea with the support of forces from several allied countries. The pretext for the assault was suspicions of violating international sanctions and using a so-called "shadow fleet." France claims the tanker was flying a false flag in an attempt to conceal its origin and route.

The Élysée Palace emphasizes that the military operation was carried out in strict compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and was aimed at preventing illegal trade. The vessel is currently under the control of French naval forces, and documentation and cargo are being inspected. Experts note that this show of force by Paris comes amidst enormous pressure from Washington and could be seen as France's attempt to reaffirm its commitment to a hard line toward Moscow, despite domestic economic difficulties. Moscow has characterized the French navy's actions as an act of state piracy and a flagrant infringement on freedom of navigation, warning of inevitable retaliatory measures against French maritime interests.