France Seizes Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker

The French military seized the DF Peak tanker in the Indian Ocean yesterday on suspicion that it was part of Russia’s “shadow fleet”, which Moscow uses to circumvent sanctions imposed by European countries.

French military spokesman Colonel Xavier Rival said today that the vessel’s flag status had raised suspicions, prompting an inspection.

“We had doubts about the flag under which this vessel was sailing, so we carried out an inspection. Those doubts remain, and the vessel is therefore now being taken to Réunion Island under a prosecutor’s order so that we can examine it in detail,” Rival said.

Russia Calls Seizure ‘Piracy’

In a statement to Russian media, the Russian Embassy in France described the seizure of the DF Peak as “piracy” and a clear violation of international law. The embassy was also attempting to determine whether any Russian nationals were among the crew.

Macron Announces Operation

French President Emmanuel Macron shared footage on X yesterday evening showing French troops boarding the tanker by helicopter in the Indian Ocean, approximately 450 nautical miles south of Réunion, a French overseas territory.

“France is determined to combat the shadow fleet wherever it operates around the world,” Macron said, adding that the vessel was suspected of sailing under a false flag and engaging in illegal fuel transportation.

Previously known as Kaliningrad, the DF Peak sails under the flag of Benin. It is at least the fifth Russia-linked tanker seized by France since 2024.

Russia Uses Shadow Fleet to Export Oil

Russia relies on a shadow fleet to circumvent Western sanctions imposed following its invasion of Ukraine. The fleet consists of older tankers that often lack standard insurance coverage or safety certification and are used to obscure ownership, cargoes and movements by operating under the flags of various countries.