The UK’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies now have the authority to intercept ships sanctioned by the UK as they navigate British waters, including the English Channel, according to a statement from Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office.
The UK has imposed sanctions on 544 vessels believed to be part of Russia’s “ghost fleet,” which primarily consists of outdated oil tankers. This fleet has been instrumental for Moscow in circumventing Western sanctions since the onset of the Ukraine war in 2022. “The UK will tighten the net around this fleet, closing off its waters, including the English Channel, to sanctioned ships,” the statement elaborates.
As a result, operators will need to take longer and more expensive routes or face the risk of being stopped by British forces. Each interception operation will require government approval. Keir Starmer is expected to discuss this issue on Thursday during a summit in Helsinki of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, a coalition of ten Northern European countries.
US Temporarily Lifts Some Restrictions on Russian Oil
This move coincides with Washington’s announcement of a temporary lift on certain restrictions on Russian oil to ease rising prices amid the Middle East conflict.
“Vladimir Putin is rubbing his hands together because he believes soaring oil prices will fill his coffers,” commented Keir Starmer, as quoted in the statement. “That’s why we are taking even tougher measures against his ghost fleet,” he added. London states that “75% of Russia’s crude oil is transported by this ramshackle fleet.”
Back in January, London supported a US-led operation in the North Atlantic to seize the Russian-linked tanker, Marinera, previously known as Bella 1. Recently, France, Belgium, Finland, and other European nations have seized vessels suspected of evading sanctions and thought to be part of Russia’s “ghost fleet.” “Following the interception of a ship, legal proceedings can be initiated against the owners, operators, and crew for violating UK sanctions legislation,” Downing Street stated.
