The merchant ship, which was transporting cars to St. Petersburg, presumably owned by a Russian company subject to EU sanctions, was diverted to the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer. This was announced today by the French authorities with reference to Agence France-Presse.
The 127-meter ship “Baltic Leader”, which departed from Rouen under the Russian flag, was accompanied by French customs, gendarmerie and warships.
The customs authorities are currently conducting an inspection.
On Thursday, the EU approved a package of sanctions against Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Among those sanctioned are President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Sergei Larov and 26 businessmen.
The Russian embassy in France has demanded that the French authorities explain the detention of a Russian cargo ship in Lamash, Reuters reports.