Russian presidential press secretary Peskov on June 1 called France's seizure of
a Russian oil tanker illegal and "near piracy", saying Moscow "does not accept"
Paris' claim the action complied with maritime law and that Russia is taking
multiple measures to secure cargo. President Macron said on social media
France's navy intercepted a tanker departing Russia in the Atlantic on May 31 in
international waters, with cooperation from the UK and other partners, and that
the operation strictly complied with relevant maritime law. RIA cited the
Russian embassy in France as saying Paris did not notify Moscow before the
operation.
