France enforces sanctions, seizes Russian ship in English Channel

The French naval forces have banned a cargo ship in the English Channel, which was headed for the Russian city of St Petersburg.

French officials told BBC television that the ship was stopped in line with new EU sanctions and said it has headed to the northern French port of Boulogne-Sur-Mer.

A Russian cargo ship, 127m long, called “Baltic Lider” and transported cars, was stopped overnight by the French Marine Forces in Canal and forwarded to the Boulogne Port- Sur-Mer in northern France”, a French official said.

“ (Anija) was sent to the French port following a French government request because it allegedly belongs to a company targeted by EU sanctions against Moscow. French border forces are currently investigating the cargo ship. The crew of the ship “Baltic Liader” has collaborated with French authorities”, he added.

Russian news agency, RIA reported that the Russian Embassy in France will seek clarification from French authorities for the seizure of the ship.

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