British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK armed forces and law enforcement agencies will now have the authority to intercept and detain sanctioned vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet passing through British waters.
This initiative aims to restrict access for these vessels to critical maritime routes, including the English Channel. As a result, operators will face the choice of taking longer and more expensive routes or risking detention by British military forces.
Starmer stated, “Putin is rubbing his hands together over the war in the Middle East, believing that higher oil prices will fill his pockets. That’s why we are intensifying our pursuit of his shadow fleet. We are not only safeguarding Britain’s security but also cutting off the dirty profits that fund his barbaric campaign in Ukraine.”
He emphasized that the UK will continue to defend its sovereignty and support Ukraine as long as necessary.
In preparation for this operation, UK military and law enforcement officials are gearing up to seize Russian ships that resist, are armed, or employ advanced surveillance technology to evade capture. Criminal charges may be brought against the owners, operators, and crew of detained vessels for violating UK sanctions.
Recent developments include:
- On March 13, the United States lifted sanctions on Russian oil loaded onto tankers to increase supply in the global market and avoid fuel shortages.
- Following this, Russian operators rushed to load more oil onto tankers to sell before sanctions could be reimposed.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Ukraine is collaborating with European nations to enact legislative changes allowing for the detention and confiscation of shadow fleet tankers and oil.
- On March 20, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the detention of another Russian shadow fleet tanker in the Mediterranean, which was flagged under Mozambique and was en route from Murmansk, Russia.
The UK government has announced new measures allowing armed forces to intercept Russian vessels under sanctions, aiming to restrict their access to key maritime routes. This move is part of broader efforts to undermine Russian oil profits amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.