The British Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies have been authorized to intercept ships sanctioned by the UK that navigate through British waters, including the English Channel, according to a statement from the office of Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The UK has imposed sanctions on 544 vessels believed to be part of Russia’s so-called “ghost fleet,” primarily consisting of outdated oil tankers. This fleet has enabled Moscow to bypass Western sanctions since the onset of the Ukraine war in 2022. “The UK will tighten the noose around this fleet by closing off its waters, including the English Channel, to sanctioned ships. Operators will be compelled to take longer, more costly routes or face the risk of being halted by British forces,” the statement reads. Each operation will require government approval. Keir Starmer is scheduled to discuss this issue on Thursday in Helsinki at a summit of the Joint Expeditionary Force, a UK-led alliance comprising ten Northern European countries.
US Announces Temporary Easing of Restrictions on Russian Oil
This decision coincides with Washington’s announcement of a temporary easing of restrictions on Russian oil to mitigate price surges amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
“Vladimir Putin is rubbing his hands together because he believes rising oil prices will allow him to line his pockets,” stated Keir Starmer as quoted in the release. “That’s why we’re taking even tougher action 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 According to London, “75% of Russia’s crude oil is transported by this outdated fleet.”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 a US operation in the North Atlantic to seize a vessel formerly known as Bella 1. Recently, France, Belgium, Finland, and other European countries have confiscated ships suspected of evading sanctions and reportedly belonging to Russia’s “ghost fleet.” “Following the interception of a vessel, criminal proceedings can be initiated against the owners, operators, and crew for violating UK sanctions laws,” stated the British Prime Minister’s office.
