France Detains Russian Oil Tanker in Atlantic on May 31, Kremlin Condemns Move as 'Piracy'

According to Jinshi Data, France intercepted a Russian oil tanker in the Atlantic on May 31, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on June 1. Macron said the operation was conducted in international waters with support from the UK and other partners, and complied with international maritime law. Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected the French claim, calling the seizure illegal and "bordering on international piracy." Peskov stated Russia does not recognize France's legal justification and is taking measures to ensure cargo safety.

The Russian Embassy in France said France did not notify Russia before the detention operation, according to Russian state news agency TASS.