Russian Shadow Fleet Tankers Defy Keir Starmer’s Threats, Sail Through English Channel Unchallenged
Russian shadow fleet tankers have sailed through the English Channel, defying Sir Keir Starmer’s threats that British special forces would storm sanctioned ships in UK waters. At least six Russian vessels passed through the Strait of Dover unchallenged on Thursday, prompting the RAF to launch two Shadow R1 surveillance aircraft, which spent hours patrolling the Channel.
The tankers also dared to sail past the Royal Navy’s headquarters in Portsmouth, the Special Boat Service’s HQ in Poole and Royal Marine bases. This move comes after another Downing Street U-turn on Wednesday, with the Prime Minister signing off on new powers granting British special forces permission to seize sanctioned ships in UK waters.
Threats of Force Fails to Deter Russian Vessels
Despite the threats, the Russian vessels continued their journey unchallenged. The tankers’ movements prompted the RAF to launch two Shadow R1 surveillance aircraft, which spent hours patrolling the Channel. However, the British special forces did not intervene, and the ships were able to pass through UK waters without incident.
Experts believe that this deterrant could only be temporary. Mark Douglas, of Starboard Maritime Intelligence, told The i Paper yesterday that “this fear of the English Channel isn’t universal, and shadow fleet tankers are staying the course and will be passing through UK waters in the coming days.”
Legal Expert Weighs In on Russian Vessels’ Right to Passage
James Turner KC, a maritime law expert and ex-Royal Marine, told The Sun that Russian vessels have the right of “innocent passage” through UK waters – even if they are sanctioned – unless they are carrying out criminal activities, such as smuggling, slavery, piracy or travelling under a false flag. “If they are behaving themselves, you can’t stop them,” he said.
Shadow Fleet’s Motivations and Impact
The shadow fleet ships’ movements have been linked to Russia’s war machine, which has been boosted by the spike in oil prices caused by the Iran security crisis. The Russian government has used its shadow fleet to circumvent international sanctions and transport crude oil to markets around the world.
Despite the Prime Minister’s vow to go after Vladimir Putin’s shadow fleet “even harder,” experts warn that this move may only be a temporary deterrent. The shadow fleet ships’ movements will continue to pose a challenge for British authorities, who must balance their commitment to upholding international sanctions with the need to protect UK waters and national security.
Conclusion
The Russian shadow fleet tankers’ defiance of Keir Starmer’s threats highlights the complexity and challenges of enforcing international sanctions. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether British authorities will be able to effectively deter the shadow fleet ships from passing through UK waters.
Original Article: Russian shadow fleet tankers defy Keir Starmer to sail through the English Channel despite threats that British special forces would storm sanctioned ships — Co