The British armed forces and law enforcement agencies are now authorized to intercept vessels sanctioned by the United Kingdom as they traverse British waters, including the English Channel, according to a statement from Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office, reports indicate.
The UK has imposed sanctions on 544 ships suspected to be part of Russia’s “ghost fleet,” primarily consisting of outdated oil tankers. This fleet has enabled Moscow to sidestep Western sanctions since the onset of the Ukraine war in 2022. “The United Kingdom is tightening restrictions on the fleet, closing off its waters, including the English Channel, to sanctioned vessels. Operators will be forced to take longer, more expensive routes or risk being stopped by British forces,” the statement revealed. Each interception operation will require government approval. Keir Starmer is expected to discuss this issue on Thursday in Helsinki at a summit of the Joint Expeditionary Force—a UK-led alliance of ten Northern European countries.
US Temporarily Lifts Certain Restrictions on Russian Oil
This decision coincides with Washington’s announcement to temporarily lift some restrictions on Russian oil, aiming to ease rising oil prices amidst the conflict in the Middle East.
“Vladimir Putin is rubbing his hands together because he believes that rising oil prices will line his pockets,” stated Keir Starmer, as cited in the statement. “That’s why we’re 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 According to London, “75% of Russia’s crude oil is transported by this outdated fleet.”
Earlier in January, London supported a US operation to seize a vessel, previously known as Bella 1, in the North Atlantic. France, Belgium, Finland, and other European countries have recently intercepted ships suspected of evading sanctions and linked to Russia’s “ghost fleet,” according to authorities. “Following the interception of a vessel, legal action can be initiated against the owners, operators, and crew for violating UK sanctions laws,” the British prime minister’s office stated.
