The UK armed forces and law enforcement agencies are now authorized to intercept vessels sanctioned by the United Kingdom that navigate through British waters, including the English Channel, according to a statement from Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office.
London has imposed sanctions on 544 vessels suspected of being part of Russia’s “ghost fleet,” mainly comprised of outdated oil tankers. This fleet has enabled Moscow to circumvent Western sanctions since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. The statement notes, “The UK is tightening its grip on this fleet, closing its waters, including the English Channel, to sanctioned vessels. Operators will either have to take longer and more costly routes or risk being halted by British forces.” Each operation will require government approval. Keir Starmer is expected to discuss this issue on Thursday at a Joint Expeditionary Force summit in Helsinki, an alliance led by the UK and consisting of ten Northern European countries.
US Announces Temporary Lifting of Some Restrictions on Russian Oil
This decision occurs amid Washington’s temporary lifting of certain restrictions on Russian oil to mitigate price hikes due to the Middle East conflict.
“Vladimir Putin is rubbing his hands because he believes rising oil prices will line his pockets,” stated Keir Starmer, as quoted in the statement. “That’s why we are taking even tougher measures against his ghost fleet,” he added. According to London, “75% of Russia’s crude oil is transported by this outdated fleet.”
In January, London supported Washington in an American operation to seize a vessel in the North Atlantic known as Marinera, previously named Bella 1. France, Belgium, Finland, and other European nations have recently seized vessels suspected of evading sanctions and belonging, according to authorities, to Russia’s “ghost fleet.” “Following the interception of a vessel, legal proceedings may be initiated against the owners, operators, and crew for violating British sanctions laws,” stated the British Prime Minister’s office.
