UK to seize Russian shadow fleet tankers in British waters
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies will now be able to intercept and detain sanctioned vessels from Russia's shadow fleet transiting through British waters.
Source: the UK government in a press release
Details: The move is designed to block key shipping routes for sanctioned vessels, including the English Channel. Operators will either have to choose longer, more expensive routes or risk being detained by UK forces.
Quote from Starmer: "Putin is rubbing his hands at the war in the Middle East because he thinks higher oil prices will let him line his pockets. That's why 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.
He and his cronies should be in no doubt, we will always defend our sovereignty and stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes."
Details: The UK government said the military and law enforcement agencies are preparing to seize Russian vessels that do not surrender, are armed or use advanced surveillance to avoid interception.
Criminal proceedings may be brought against the owners, operators and crews of ships detained for violating UK sanctions law.
Background:
- On 13 March, the US lifted sanctions restrictions on Russian oil loaded onto tankers to increase global supply and prevent fuel shortages.
- Following this, Russia accelerated oil shipments to sell as much as possible before sanctions resumed.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv is working with its European partners on legislation that would enable not only the detention of shadow fleet ships but also the seizure of tankers and their oil.
- On 20 March, French President Emmanuel Macron reported the detention in the Mediterranean of another Russian shadow fleet tanker, sailing from Murmansk in Russia under the flag of Mozambique.
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