Another Russian shadow fleet tanker stopped in the Mediterranean Sea

President Emmanuel Macron announced the interception of the tanker on Friday, March 20, via the X platform. The French Navy intercepted and boarded the vessel. The President of France stated that “the war involving Iran will not deflect France from its support for Ukraine, where Russia’s war of aggression continues unabated.” He added, “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.”

Deyna was flying the flag of Mozambique, which was revealed to be a false flag after boarding. The vessel had been sailing from the Russian port of Murmansk. It is being escorted by the military to a holding location, where it will undergo additional inspections.

In January, another tanker, theGrinch, was intercepted by France in the Mediterranean Sea. The ship was subject to Western sanctions. Earlier, in September 2025, France detained yet another vessel off its western coast. The EU’s “shadow fleet” list includes approximately 590 ships. This means that Russia operates hundreds of vessels sailing under false flags. However, reports continue to emerge of additional ships being intercepted by Western authorities and Russia can possess only so many vessels.