Britain Accused of Failing to Enforce Sanctions Against Russia After Russian Oil Tanker Sails Past Shetland
Britain has been accused of failing to enforce sanctions against Russia after a blacklisted oil tanker sailed past Shetland without being intercepted. The Leruo, carrying 300,000 barrels of Russian diesel, travelled through the northern North Sea last week, despite new powers allowing British forces to intercept sanctioned ships in UK waters.
According to The Times, the tanker departed the Russian Baltic port of Primorsk on October 17, initially identifying Manaus in Brazil as its destination. Shipping intelligence provider Kpler subsequently recorded its destination as “Atlantic Coast for order”, suggesting the cargo could be bound for a North American customer.
Sanctions Relaxation and Criticism from Ukrainian Campaigners
The voyage follows a decision by President Donald Trump’s administration to relax restrictions on Russian diesel imports as Washington seeks to ease pressure on domestic fuel prices ahead of November’s midterm elections. The US Treasury issued General License 135 on October 09, temporarily authorising transactions involving Russian diesel until April 07, 2027.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has confirmed that three tankers carrying Russian fuel are heading towards America’s eastern seaboard. Ukrainian campaigners have criticised the move, arguing that allowing sanctioned vessels to continue transporting Russian fuel undermines efforts to restrict Moscow’s war financing.
Svitlana Romanko, executive director of the Ukrainian campaign group Razom We Stand, said: “Every barrel on board these ships exporting Russian fossil fuels is money for the missiles and drones Russia fires at Ukrainian homes every night, bringing more civilian casualties.” She added: “Britain sanctioned this tanker a year ago, yet it sails past Shetland unchallenged and Washington’s new diesel licence now gives it a buyer. Sanctions only work when they are enforced at sea, so the UK must stop and inspect sanctioned vessels in its waters, and the US must withdraw General License 135 and enforce the sanctions law Congress passed.”
Britain’s Sanctions Enforcement Powers
In March, Downing Street authorised British military and law enforcement personnel to intercept sanctioned vessels in UK waters following months of legal discussions between the Ministry of Defence, Foreign Office, and Home Office. Several sanctioned Russian tankers subsequently changed course to avoid the English Channel.
However, the Leruo appears to have evaded detection, highlighting concerns about Britain’s ability to enforce its sanctions against Russia. The incident has prompted renewed calls for greater action from Ukrainian campaigners and international observers.
Russia’s Shadow Fleet
Russia’s shadow fleet consists largely of ageing tankers operating through opaque ownership structures, often under foreign flags and with uncertain insurance arrangements. The network allows Moscow to continue exporting oil despite Western sanctions, raising concerns about maritime safety and the security of critical infrastructure.
Ukrainian military intelligence has identified the vessel as part of Russia‘s shadow fleet, reporting that it has previously disabled its automatic identification system and conducted ship-to-ship transfers near European waters.
Original Article: Britain accused of failing to stop sanctioned Russian oil tanker near Shetland — Nationalsecuritynews