Britain’s military can now board and detain Russian shadow fleet tankers, a major escalation in efforts to disrupt oil revenues funding the Ukraine war.
LONDON: Prime Minister Keir Starmer has authorised the British military to board and detain Russian vessels suspected of being part of a “shadow fleet” used to circumvent Western oil sanctions.
The decision marks a significant escalation in efforts to disrupt the maritime network Moscow uses to fund its war in Ukraine.
Starmer stated that more aggressive action was necessary as Russian President Vladimir Putin benefits from rising oil prices driven by conflict in the Middle East.
“We’re going after his shadow fleet even harder, not just keeping Britain safe but starving Putin’s war machine of the dirty profits that fund his barbaric campaign in Ukraine,” Starmer said.
Downing Street confirmed military and law enforcement officials are prepared to board vessels that do not surrender, are armed, or use surveillance to evade capture.
Criminal proceedings may follow against owners, operators, and crew for breaches of sanctions legislation once ships are seized.
Russia’s reliance on this fleet has allowed it to continue oil exports despite restrictions imposed after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
European pressure was recently complicated by a US decision to grant a 30-day waiver for buying stranded Russian products to stabilise global energy markets.
Starmer announced the new policy ahead of the Joint Expeditionary Force Summit in Helsinki, where Britain will push for greater coordination on seizing shadow fleet vessels.
Britain has already sanctioned 544 Russian shadow fleet vessels, some of which occasionally travel through the Channel.
The UK estimates about three-quarters of Russia’s crude oil is transported by these ships, which often have opaque ownership.
These ageing, poorly regulated tankers also pose significant environmental risks due to their propensity for spills, failures, and leaks.
