Russia has issued a warning stating that it will retaliate against any efforts by British authorities to board ships belonging to Vladimir Putin’s shadow fleet. Andrei Kelin, Russia’s ambassador to London, mentioned that they are preparing appropriate actions in response to this potential scenario. The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has given authorization for military and law enforcement agencies to intercept Russian shadow fleet vessels that are under sanctions and found in British waters.
The primary focus of this directive is on a network of vessels, often old and uninsured with unclear ownership, that are aiding Putin’s activities in Ukraine by transporting Russian oil while circumventing Western sanctions. Approximately 75% of Russia’s crude oil is transported by Putin’s aging fleet of ships. Working in conjunction with allies, the UK has imposed sanctions on 544 Russian shadow fleet vessels.
Keir Starmer recently confirmed that UK forces have been granted the authority to board sanctioned vessels passing through British waters. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the country and its interests in the face of increasing global threats. The objective is to disrupt Putin’s shadow fleet operations to halt the flow of profits used to support his actions in Ukraine.
The Royal Navy has been collaborating with allies to monitor and track shadow fleet ships, facilitating interception efforts in European and Mediterranean waters. Several JEF allies, including Finland, Sweden, and Estonia, have conducted operations against suspected illicit shadow fleet vessels in the Baltic Sea, obstructing crucial maritime routes utilized by Russia.
By participating in interdiction missions alongside JEF partners, the UK aims to tighten the grip on the shadow fleet, restricting access to UK waters and forcing operators to seek alternative routes or risk detention by British forces. This strategy is expected to apply pressure on the shadow fleet, compelling them to divert to less favorable routes or face consequences.
