France Releases Suspected Russian “Shadow Fleet” Oil Tanker After Fine Is Paid
en01.web.id – Rusia. The government of France released an oil tanker suspected of being part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet after the vessel’s owner paid a multi-million-euro fine, according to statements from French maritime authorities cited by international media.
European media reported that the tanker had been detained by French port authorities after it was suspected of violating maritime regulations and potentially being involved in sanctions evasion related to Russia. The ship was inspected before being allowed to resume its journey once legal requirements were fulfilled.
French authorities said the vessel was suspected of operating under opaque ownership structures and using foreign flags, characteristics commonly associated with vessels described as part of the shadow fleet, a term used to refer to ships transporting Russian oil outside official channels.
The release was confirmed after the completion of administrative checks and payment of the fine. French officials did not publicly disclose the exact amount of the fine or the full identity of the company that owns the vessel.
On the same day, peace talks between Ukraine and Russia resumed in Geneva, Switzerland, with mediation from the United States.
The Ukrainian delegation said in a written statement that the talks were aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict, while the Russian side described the meeting as a diplomatic effort to seek a political solution.
International media reported that no agreement was reached during the initial session and that discussions were continuing behind closed doors.
As of Tuesday (February 17, 2026), both developments — the release of the tanker by France and the resumption of talks in Geneva — were confirmed as separate events within the broader context of international efforts to manage the Ukraine–Russia conflict.