Russian Shadow Fleet Defies Keir Starmer’s Threats to Seize It
The Russian shadow fleet has continued to steam through the English Channel despite Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s declaration that British forces would intercept such vessels. At least six tankers, sanctioned by the UK for transporting Russian oil, have passed freely through the channel without challenge.
Vessels Pass Critical Military Installations Unimpeded
The tankers, including the Vayu 1, which was sanctioned for transporting Russian oil, came within approximately six nautical miles of Dover on Thursday. Two RAF Shadow R1 surveillance aircraft monitored the Channel for several hours as the sanctioned ships transited. The vessels passed numerous crucial British military installations without challenge, including the Royal Navy headquarters at Portsmouth, the Special Boat Service base at Poole, and several Royal Marine facilities along the south coast.
Defence Officials Refuse to Comment on Specific Operational Planning
A defence source said the Government would not comment on specific operational planning, arguing that doing so could undermine efforts to act against these vessels and would only benefit adversaries. Officials have indicated that each target ship undergoes individual assessment by a combined team of law enforcement officers, military personnel, and energy market specialists before any operation proceeds.
Maritime Law Expert Weighs in on Innocent Passage
James Turner KC, a maritime law expert and former Royal Marine, explained that vessels retain the right of “innocent passage” through territorial waters regardless of sanctions status. However, this protection has limits. Ships can lawfully be stopped if they are engaged in smuggling, slave trading, piracy, or operating under a false flag. “If they are behaving themselves, you can’t stop them,” Mr Turner told The Sun.
Russian Shadow Fleet Plays Critical Role in Funding Military Operations
Moscow’s shadow fleet plays a crucial role in funding Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. The vessels are critical for supporting Moscow’s crumbling oil industry. Government estimates suggest that approximately three-quarters of Moscow’s crude oil output is transported by these vessels, which account for around 40 per cent of all Russian oil exports.
British Sanctions Having Impact
Britain has imposed sanctions on 544 ships in the Russian shadow fleet, more than any other nation. Ministers claim these measures are having an impact, with sanctioned vessels carrying an estimated £1.2billion less oil during the first quarter of 2025 than in the same period last year.
Government Provided Formal Permission for Forces to Seize Ships Recently
The Government provided formal permission for forces to seize the ships only recently. In January, the decision to allow the interceptions was announced, but ministers spent the following two months attempting to establish a legal justification for the order. Attorney General Lord Hermer met northern European allies earlier this month to address the matter as ships, crucial to propping up Moscow’s collapsing oil exports, steamed through British waters.
Keir Starmer Announces Official Authorisation to Seize Russian Vessels
Announcing the official authorisation to seize Russian vessels, Sir Keir said: “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.”
Original Article: Russian shadow fleet defiantly steams through English Channel despite Keir Starmer’s threats to seize it — Gbnews