Politis

French Navy Seizes Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker in Mediterranean

Published January 23, 2026, 19:15
French Navy Seizes Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker in Mediterranean

The French Navy has seized the tanker «Grinch», which belongs to the shadowy fleet of ships linked to Russia, in the Western Mediterranean near the Strait of Gibraltar. The seizure was carried out because the ship is subject to international sanctions and is alleged to be using a false flag. Allied forces, including the United Kingdom, participated in the operation. Russia stated that it had not been informed about the seizure. The «Grinch» was traveling from Murmansk and was flying the flag of the Comoros.