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.