The French Navy (Marine Nationale) seized the oil tanker DF Peak in the Indian Ocean, approximately 450 nautical miles from Réunion Island. This action is considered one of the most remote operations to seize a tanker linked to Russia since the onset of the Ukraine war in 2022.
Details of the Seizure of the DF Peak
Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, announced on Monday that the tanker is suspected of having a false flag and engaging in illegal fuel transportation activities. Macron stated in a statement: "This action, carried out in accordance with international maritime law, demonstrates our determination to uphold the rule of law and combat all illegal activities at sea."
The DF Peak was built in 2006 and, with a deadweight tonnage (dwt) of 110,000 tons, is recognized as part of the fleet of the Russian state company Sovcomflot. The ship was renamed Kaliningrad in 2024 and became known as DF Peak in 2025. Additionally, this tanker joined the fleet of Sun Ship, based in Dubai, in early 2022 and is currently managed by a company in Hong Kong.
Background of Sanctions and Current Status
The DF Peak was sanctioned by the United States government in 2024, followed by similar sanctions imposed by the European Union, Switzerland, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine against this tanker. The Ukrainian government has also sanctioned one of the former captains of this ship.
Catherine Colonna, the French Minister of Defense, announced that DF Peak is now under escort and inspections are ongoing. The tanker is significantly far from French territorial waters, but Colonna emphasized that the legal authority to command this operation has been delegated to the governor of the Réunion region.
The French Minister of Defense added: "International laws are not optional. Our armed forces are fully prepared to enforce these laws and combat illegal activities at sea."
The seizure of DF Peak occurred just days after the White House decided to suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports, an effort to lower fuel prices ahead of the U.S. midterm elections in November. The Trump administration hopes to increase the sale of Russian refined products in the global market, while this policy significantly contrasts with Europe's sanctioning policy against Moscow.
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