Kremlin claims Russian escort for sanctioned tankers through English Channel is "protection against piracy"

Ulyana Krychkovska, Anastasia Protz - 9 April, 14:25

Dmitry Peskov and Vladimir Putin. Photo: Getty Images

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has commented on media reports that sanctioned tankers have been escorted through the English Channel by Russian warships, claiming that Russia is defending its economic interests from "piracy".

Source: European Pravda, citing Russian media outlet RBC

Details: Earlier, The Telegraph reported that the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich had escorted two UK-sanctioned oil tankers, the Russian-flagged Universal and the Cameroon-flagged Enigma, through the Channel.

Asked about this, Peskov said Russia has the right to "take measures" to protect its economic interests when they are being harmed.

Quote: "We have witnessed cases of piracy in international waters. These cases harmed the economic interests of the Russian Federation, so Russia considers itself in the right, and will take measures to protect its interests."

Background: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently announced that the UK Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies are now able to intercept and detain sanctioned vessels from Russia's shadow fleet that are transiting through British waters. The Russian embassy in the United Kingdom criticised the decision.

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