Russian Warships Escort Sanctioned Tankers Near UK Waters
Vladimir Putin is diverting some of his most advanced warships to escort sanctioned and “shadow fleet” oil tankers near UK waters, including one frigate armed with hypersonic missiles earlier this month. Experts tracking Russian-flagged and shadow fleet ships are monitoring whether the Kremlin will look to sail through the English Channel and North Sea to send a message after making fresh threats of retaliation over Britain’s increasing support for Ukraine.
The move comes as tensions between Russia and the West continue to escalate, with the UK imposing sanctions on several Russian individuals and entities in response to Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. The deployment of warships to escort tankers is seen as a show of force by Putin, who has been increasingly assertive in his dealings with Western nations.
Shadow Fleet Grows to 600 Vessels, World Bank Reports
Open-source evidence reveals that earlier this month the Russian warship Admiral Kasatonov escorted a cargo ship through the Baltics before entering the North Sea and heading north past Norway. This development has raised concerns among experts about the potential for Russia to use its shadow fleet to circumvent international sanctions and undermine Western efforts to isolate Moscow.
The World Bank has reported that the shadow fleet, which is made up of vessels registered in countries with weaker anti-money laundering laws, has grown to 600 ships, with many more expected to join as Russia seeks to evade international sanctions. The growth of this fleet has significant implications for global energy markets and could have far-reaching consequences for the global economy.
UK Authorities Monitor Russian Warships
UK authorities are closely monitoring the situation, working with NATO allies to track the movements of Russian warships and ensure that they do not pose a threat to British interests. The UK’s Royal Navy is also on high alert, with ships in the region being placed on standby in case of any potential threats.
In addition to the deployment of warships, Russia has also been using its shadow fleet to transport oil and other goods, which could have significant implications for global energy markets. The situation is being closely watched by international observers, who are concerned about the potential for Russia to use its military might to bully its way around the world.
Conclusion
The deployment of Russian warships to escort sanctioned tankers near UK waters is a clear demonstration of Putin’s willingness to use military force to achieve his goals. The growth of the shadow fleet and the increasing assertiveness of Russia on the global stage are significant concerns for international observers, who are working to ensure that the situation does not escalate into a full-blown crisis.
Vessels Mentioned
- ASCALON (IMO: 9198226)
- PORTOVYY (IMO: 9246621)
Original Article: Rattled Putin diverting warships to protect his shadow fleet tankers near UK waters — Co