Russian oil tanker intercepted off the Atlantic. Kremlin: “Act of piracy”

“The The national navy intercepted a new oil tanker subject to international sanctions coming from Russia yesterday morning: the Tagor. Our determination is constant and total”. This was announced by French President Emmanuel Macron in a post on These ships, which do not respect the most basic rules of maritime navigation, also constitute a threat to the environment and to everyone’s safety.”

Il Kremlin spoke of an “illegal” operation, comparing it to an act of “piracy”. “We consider these acts to be illegal, bordering on international piracy,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding that “Russia is taking measures to ensure the safety of its cargo.”

The Brest prosecutor’s office explained that the Russian captain of the intercepted tanker refused to obey the orders given and “taking control of the vessel proved necessary”. The prosecutor’s office said a criminal investigation had been launched for failure to prove a vessel’s nationality, lack of flag and refusal to comply.