Macron urges intensified pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet to cut war funding and dismantle illicit operations
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for increased European action to disrupt the mechanisms supporting Russia’s shadow fleet — a critical component of the Kremlin’s financial framework.
He emphasized the importance of stepping up efforts to detect and seize illegal tankers smuggling Russian oil under false flags near French and other European waters.
Macron stated that these covert operations not only fuel the ongoing conflict in Ukraine but also build robust business models that help Russia bypass sanctions and sustain its military campaigns.
“Increasing pressure on the shadow fleet is more than a security measure — it is a strategic move in the fight against Russian aggression.
It aims to destroy the economic foundations of its military capabilities, depriving it of additional revenue,” Macron highlighted.
Given that EU estimates suggest at least 444 vessels are involved in these illegal activities, the French leader called for coordinated actions in partnership with NATO to establish joint monitoring and rapid response mechanisms.
He pointed out that this illicit trade generates over 30 billion euros annually for Russia, supporting around 40% of its military efforts against Ukraine.
France has already begun cracking down on maritime smuggling, detaining vessels operating under fake flags or with unknown origins.
Recently, French patrols intercepted a Russian vessel near Denmark, suspected of disguising itself as a foreign military ship, raising concerns about possible provocations and sanctions circumventions.
Investigations into this vessel’s origins and its links to the shadow fleet are ongoing, with international maritime law allowing patrolling countries to conduct inspections if suspicions arise regarding a ship’s official flag and real origin.
Macron’s initiative underscores France’s commitment to boosting European resilience and ensuring the integrity of maritime security while mounting pressure on those supporting Russia’s war efforts.