UK Supports French Operation to Board ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tanker
The fleet of vessels used to carry Russian oil and goods around the world to avoid sanctions put on Vladimir Putin’s country following the invasion of Ukraine has been a topic of concern for governments worldwide. In a recent development, the French navy intercepted and boarded another vessel from this “shadow fleet,” the Deyna, in the Mediterranean.
The UK government has been at the forefront of efforts to disrupt and deter Russia’s shadow fleet, with Defence Secretary Ben Wallace stating that disrupting these vessels is a priority for his government. This morning, the French Navy intercepted and boarded the Deyna, a move that was supported by the UK armed forces. The operation was carried out near the Strait of Gibraltar, where HMS Cutlass, a patrol boat, monitored the vessel and provided tracking and imagery capture.
The Deyna is sanctioned by the UK and the European Union for its role in shipping Russian oil. This latest development marks another instance of the UK’s cooperation with allies in targeting sanctioned vessels. In January, British forces assisted in the seizure of the oil tanker Marinera by the US, while earlier that same month, Royal Navy patrol boat HMS Dagger helped the French seize another sanctioned ship, the Grinch, in the western Mediterranean.
The UK has been pushing for its allies to carry out more seizures of “shadow fleet” vessels, with Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Attorney General meeting senior officials from other nations to discuss military and legal options earlier this month. While British forces have yet to board a sanctioned vessel themselves, this latest operation demonstrates the country’s commitment to supporting international efforts to disrupt Russia’s shadow fleet.
UK and France Collaborate on Sanctions Enforcement
The cooperation between the UK and France in enforcing sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet is a significant development in the ongoing effort to curtail Moscow’s ability to circumvent international restrictions. The seizure of the Deyna, a sanctioned vessel, marks another instance of the two countries working together to target vessels that are profiteering from Russia’s war effort.
The UK and France have been at the forefront of efforts to disrupt and deter Russia’s shadow fleet, with both governments emphasizing the importance of enforcing sanctions against these vessels. The seizure of the Deyna is a clear demonstration of this commitment, as it highlights the willingness of both countries to take action against sanctioned vessels that are violating international law.
International Cooperation Key to Disrupting Shadow Fleet
The success of the operation to board the Deyna is a testament to the importance of international cooperation in disrupting Russia’s shadow fleet. The UK and France have been working closely together, with other nations, to target sanctioned vessels and prevent them from profiteering from Russia’s war effort.
This collaboration has been instrumental in disrupting the shadow fleet, as it allows countries to share intelligence and coordinate efforts to target these vessels. The seizure of the Deyna is a clear demonstration of this cooperation, as it highlights the willingness of multiple nations to work together to enforce sanctions against sanctioned vessels that are violating international law.
UK Remains Resolute in Support for Ukraine
The operation to board the Deyna is also a reflection of the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The UK has been at the forefront of efforts to support Ukraine, providing military aid and economic assistance to help the country resist Russian aggression.
In a statement, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace emphasized the importance of this support, stating that “disrupting, deterring and degrading Russia’s shadow fleet – and starving Putin’s war machine of funds – is a priority for this Government.” The seizure of the Deyna is a clear demonstration of this commitment, as it highlights the UK’s willingness to take action against sanctioned vessels that are violating international law.
Original Article: UK supported French operation to board ‘shadow fleet’ tanker — Co