UK Allies Consider Confiscating Russia’s Shadow Fleet Tankers
The United Kingdom and its European allies in the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force are considering confiscating ships belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet, regardless of their flag. This was reported by Bloomberg.
The meeting demonstrated the allies’ growing willingness to more actively restrict revenues that finance the war against Ukraine. British Defence Minister John Healey met with his counterparts from the Baltic and Northern European countries to discuss the possible seizure of shadow fleet oil tankers as part of Europe’s efforts to tighten restrictions against Russia’s war economy.
Options for Action Presented
British Chief of Defence Staff Richard Knighton presented options for action, including the possibility of joint operations to seize ships. If a decision is made to confiscate ships, the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force could draw on the experience of the United States in intercepting tankers transporting goods to and from Venezuela. Some of these ships had ties to Russia.
It is currently unclear to what extent the US will be involved in the UK-led initiative. However, according to one of the publication’s sources, some coordination is likely to take place. The interception of ships linked to Russia has caused concern in Moscow, with Russian officials privately demanding that the US stop such actions.
European Countries Issue Joint Statement
In January 2026, fourteen European countries issued a joint statement warning Russia that its shadow fleet tankers would no longer be able to operate freely in the Baltic Sea. The document was signed by Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
The statement says that from now on, tankers that change flags, turn off transponders, or do not have the necessary documents will be considered stateless vessels. Such ships can be detained without legal risk, which significantly limits the ability of Russian carriers to circumvent sanctions.
Original Article: United Kingdom Initiates Discussions on Confiscating Russia’s Shadow Fleet Tankers — Militarnyi