French President Emmanuel Macron called on Europeans on Thursday to hinder the phantom fleet that facilitates Russian oil sales, allowing Moscow to finance its war against Ukraine.
This aerial photo taken on October 1, 2025, off the port of Saint-Nazaire, in western France, shows the tanker Boracay, from the Russian phantom fleet, suspected of being involved in drone thefts over Denmark. (Photo: Damien MEYER / AFP)
Copenhagen – The French president expressed a desire for Europe to take “a step” in “the obstruction policy” against the phantom fleet that allows Moscow to export its oil while circumventing Western sanctions, one of whose ships was seized by France.
He made this statement in Copenhagen where a summit of European leaders was taking place.
The Chinese captain of this stateless oil tanker will be tried in February for “refusal to comply,” French judicial authorities announced.
“It is extremely important to increase pressure on the phantom fleet because it clearly reduces Russia’s ability to finance its war effort,” said Emmanuel Macron.
“In the coming days, our chiefs of staff, in coordination with NATO, as part of the Coalition of Volunteers, will meet to build common actions,” he announced.
Doubts also linger regarding the possible involvement of this ship in drone overflights that disrupted air traffic in Denmark, the country off the coast of which it was sailing at the time of the events. (October 2, 2025)
