So let me see if I understand this process:
- Commandeers vessels suspected to be Russian or carrying Russian items
- Arrests the crew
- Impounds the cargo and sells it
- Sells off the vessels too
- Uses the proceeds to fund attacks on Russia
How do you think this goes, France? At least, up until the surrender.
While we’re trying to de-escalate the situation in Ukraine and negotiate, you have France pulling off a stunt like this.
This boosts their bona-fides as a national security alternative (Franco-German) to the Anglo (US/UK/Canada) NATO alliance.
For the last 30 years (ever since the Serbian / Yugoslavian) crisis, France has had this agenda. They see their position in Europe cemented as a leader through security policy, but the US and that pesky NATO is in their way.
“…. The accusations leveled at the tanker included the notion it was used to launch a drone flight over..…”
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Oh, PUHLEEEEEZE…. that’s pretty thin gruel by the Frenchies. We need to make absolutely sure that the U.S. isn’t impacted by any blowback resulting from this STUPID French provocation.
They see themselves as a leader in Europe through security, problem is NATO fills that role.
They have some force projection capabilities, some ability to logistically support this, some nuclear and Intel reach...
Reality is the world has passed them up. They're a twerp today.
They're like #10: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ipor3/full.png
And that's with most of these nations like Brazil in idle regards defense spending / threats.
France today is a nobody that wouldn't be able to deal with the YU crisis in the 90s, Iran today, or Yemen (which is small stuff). They lack many of the capabilities, mass, and frankly political will. They dream and talk big, but if they got a gut punch it's over.
If they do cause a problem and let's say Russia starts going after their shipping, guess who they will hide behind?!?!
