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By Toby Meyjes
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French President Emmanuel Macron sent a warning to Russia that it will not forget about its war with Ukraine after confirming the interception of an alleged shadow fleet vessel.
The Deyna was boarded by the French Navy on Friday morning in the western Mediterranean as it sailed from the Russian port of Murmansk after being suspected of flying a false flag, local officials told Reuters.
In a post on X, Macron said of the interception: "We remain resolute. This morning in the Mediterranean, the French Navy intercepted and boarded another vessel from the shadow fleet, the Deyna. The war involving Iran will not deflect France from its support for Ukraine, where Russia’s war of aggression continues unabated. 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. We will not allow it."
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Russian Oil Sanctions
Russia’s shadow fleet is described as a constantly shifting network of vessels that frequently change registration and flags of convenience to elude detection and avoid sanctions enforcement.
Last week, the United States temporarily eased some sanctions on Russian oil shipments amid global concerns over sharply higher crude prices due to supply shortages stemming from the war in Iran.
But the move received pushback from European countries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the action “does not help peace," while Macron warned the "situation in no way justifies lifting sanctions against Russia."
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday the move will help stabilize global energy markets, adding it was impossible to do so “without significant volumes of Russian oil.”
Tensions Over Strait Of Hormuz
The seizure occurred amid tensions between the U.S. and Europe over the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has frequently called on European allies, including France, for their help in securing the strait, one of the world's busiest shipping routes that is effectively under blockade by Iran.
Macron, on Friday, floated the idea of unblocking the channel using a United Nations framework, while speaking to reporters after a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels.
The conflict with Iran has seen oil prices shoot well past $100 a barrel, causing worldwide concern over energy prices. In the U.S., several states are now averaging over $4 a gallon for regular gasoline.
According to the AAA, the national average price for regular gasoline has surged to about $3.88, up nearly a dollar in less than a month, putting the U.S. on the brink of a nationwide return to $4 gas for the first time since 2022.
This article includes reporting from the Associated Press.
Update 3/20/26, 10:07 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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