France has seized a tanker in the Mediterranean Sea suspected of belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet” used to circumvent Western sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine. The French authorities intercepted the vessel on Saturday, February 24th, but did not disclose the tanker’s name. The ship is now headed towards the port of La Rochelle, France, where it will undergo further investigation. This action underscores France’s commitment to enforcing sanctions against Russia and disrupting efforts to evade them. The vessel is suspected of having transported Russian oil in violation of international restrictions. This seizure adds to a growing number of instances where Western nations are targeting vessels involved in facilitating Russia’s oil trade. Further details regarding the operation and the nature of the suspected breach are expected to be released following the investigation in La Rochelle, France.