French Navy Halts Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Off Sicily Coast

France's navy intercepted the fuel tanker Deliver off the coast of Sicily on June 23, 2026, after the vessel violated maritime law. President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the operation targets Russia's shadow fleet and said Europe will not allow sanctions to be circumvented.

France's navy halted the fuel tanker Deliver off the coast of Sicily on June 23, 2026, after the vessel transited through the region in violation of maritime law. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed on Thursday, June 25, that this represents a new operation against Russia's so-called shadow fleet.

Macron: No escape from sanctions

"We will not allow the shadow fleet to evade sanctions and finance Russia's war efforts," Macron wrote on social media platform X, underscoring France's firm stance. The president added that Europe has decided to continue all necessary efforts to raise the cost of war for Russia and ensure lasting and long-term peace in Ukraine.

According to AFP, the tanker sailed under the Cameroonian flag and was en route from Russia's Primorsk port. The French navy sent the vessel to an anchorage for further inspection.

Fifth operation in months

This is already the fifth case since September of last year in which France has halted vessels associated with Russia's shadow fleet. The most recent previous instance occurred in May in the Atlantic Ocean in cooperation with the UK and other partners. The current operation comes just days after a similar operation carried out by the UK.

According to international maritime experts, the shadow fleet is an important mechanism through which Russia sells oil outside the reach of Western sanctions to finance the war in Ukraine.