Britain Helps Capture Sanctioned Russian Oil Tanker in Blow to Vladimir Putin’s Shadow Fleet
Britain has played a key role in helping the French navy seize a sanctioned Russian oil tanker, officials have confirmed. The operation was conducted in cooperation with the UK and other allies.
The Russian tanker, Grinch, was traveling from the Arctic port of Murmansk when it was stopped by French forces in the Mediterranean. According to French authorities, the ship was flying under the flag of Comoros at the time of the seizure. The vessel was sanctioned by the UK, US, and EU due to its involvement in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
British Forces Involved in Operation
Defence Secretary John Healey has confirmed that British forces were involved in the operation. According to Healey, the UK provided tracking and monitoring support for the French operation to board the tanker Grinch. This included HMS Dagger monitoring the vessel through the Straits of Gibraltar.
Healey emphasized that deterring, disrupting, and degrading the Russian shadow fleet is a priority for the British government. The Defence Secretary stated, “Alongside our allies, we are stepping up our response to shadow vessels, and we will continue to do so.”
International Response to Shadow Fleet
The operation has been met with international support. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the move, suggesting that the oil carried by tankers of the shadow fleet be confiscated and sold. The case was referred to the prosecutor of Marseille, who handles matters related to maritime law.
President Emmanuel Macron of France stated that the operation was conducted on the high seas in the Mediterranean, with the support of several allies. He emphasized that the operation was carried out in strict compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
British Government’s Commitment to Sanctions Enforcement
Defence Secretary John Healey has pledged to step up Britain’s action against Vladimir Putin’s “shadow fleet” of tankers. Speaking in Kyiv last month, Healey stated, “We can and we will need to clamp down with other nations. I’m looking at further military options that could help clamp down on the activities and then the movements of the shadow fleet.”
A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence added, “Deterring, disrupting, and degrading the Russian shadow fleet is a priority for this Government. Alongside our allies, we are stepping up our response to shadow vessels, and we will continue to do so.”
Original Article: Britain helps capture sanctioned Russian oil tanker in blow to Vladimir Putin’s shadow fleet — Gbnews