Russia Deploys Warship to Escort Shadow Fleet Tankers Through English Channel
The Russian Black Sea Fleet frigate Admiral Grigorovich escorted two Russian shadow fleet ships through the English Channel on April 8, while the British warship RFA Tideforce followed them, according to The Telegraph.
This development comes as tensions between Russia and Western nations continue to escalate over the country’s shadowy oil tanker fleet. In April, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave special forces the power to seize ships illegally transporting Russian oil. He said he would crack down even harder on the shadowy fleet if it passed through British waters. However, Britain has yet to seize a single Russian vessel.
The US first boarded a sanctioned Russian oil tanker in January, prompting Western nations to vow to seize more. The French navy has intercepted several tankers in the Mediterranean, but dozens of Russian vessels are believed to have passed through the English Channel since Starmer’s threat.
British Authorities Yet to Seize Russian Vessels
Despite threats from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to crack down on Russia’s shadowy oil tanker fleet, Britain has yet to seize a single Russian vessel. The lack of action has raised questions about the effectiveness of Western nations’ efforts to curb Russia’s illegal oil trade.
The failure to seize any Russian vessels is likely due to the complexity and scale of the operation. Russia’s shadow fleet is believed to consist of hundreds of ships, making it difficult for authorities to track and intercept them all.
International Pressure Mounts on Russia
International pressure continues to mount on Russia over its illegal oil trade. The US has boarded a sanctioned Russian oil tanker, while the French navy has intercepted several tankers in the Mediterranean. However, despite these efforts, dozens of Russian vessels are believed to have passed through the English Channel since Starmer’s threat.
The lack of action from Britain and other Western nations has led some to question whether they are taking the issue seriously enough. The situation is likely to remain tense until Russia complies with international sanctions and stops illegally transporting oil.
Original Article: Russia sends warship to escort shadow fleet tankers through English Channel — Babel