French President Emmanuel Macron said the French Navy intercepted and boarded a vessel linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” in the Mediterranean, stressing that Paris remains committed to backing Ukraine despite escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The move comes as Western governments intensify efforts against Russia’s shadow fleet – a network of aging, often uninsured tankers used to covertly transport oil and bypass sanctions imposed after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These ships frequently operate under opaque ownership structures, change flags, and disable tracking systems to avoid detection.
France stops the Deyna shadow fleet vessel
In a statement on X, Macron said the ship, identified as the Deyna, was stopped earlier in the day. He described the operation as part of France’s broader effort to enforce sanctions and disrupt networks that help finance Russia’s war.
“These vessels, which evade international sanctions and violate the law of the sea, are profiteers of war. They line their pockets while helping finance Russia’s war effort,” Macron wrote.
France has increasingly taken a more assertive role in countering such activity at sea. Similar incidents in recent months have involved European authorities inspecting or detaining vessels suspected of sanctions evasion, reflecting a shift toward more direct enforcement rather than relying solely on financial restrictions.
By targeting vessels like the Deyna, France and its allies aim to close loopholes that have allowed Russia to maintain significant oil revenues despite sweeping restrictions. Those revenues remain a critical pillar of the Kremlin’s ability to fund its military operations.
"The war involving Iran will not deflect France from its support for Ukraine"
Macron also addressed the broader geopolitical context, insisting that the growing confrontation involving Iran would not divert attention from Ukraine. His remarks come amid heightened instability in the Middle East, which has raised concerns that Western focus and resources could be stretched across multiple crises.
“The war involving Iran will not deflect France from its support for Ukraine,” he said, reaffirming that Russia’s full-scale invasion “continues unabated.”
The statement echoes a recurring concern among Kyiv’s partners: that global crises risk diluting sustained backing for Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned that any reduction in pressure on Russia – including lax enforcement of sanctions – could embolden Moscow and prolong the war.
