France’s navy has seized the oil tanker Grinch in the western Mediterranean, suspecting it of being part of Russia’s sanctions‑busting “shadow fleet.”

The vessel, traveling from Murmansk and flying a Comoros flag, was intercepted between Spain and Morocco with support from the UK.

French authorities said the tanker was subject to international sanctions and suspected of flying a false flag, and a judicial investigation has been opened.

President Emmanuel Macron said the seizure aims to enforce sanctions and prevent Russian oil revenues from funding the war in Ukraine, the BBC has reported.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the move, calling it a necessary step to stop Russian oil from financing the invasion.