The British military and law enforcement agencies now have the authority to intercept vessels sanctioned by the UK that navigate its waters, including the English Channel, according to a statement from Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office, as reported by a.
The UK has imposed sanctions on 544 ships suspected of being part of Russia’s so-called “phantom fleet,” mainly consisting of outdated oil tankers that have allowed Moscow to evade Western sanctions since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. “The UK is tightening its grip on this fleet by closing its waters, including the English Channel, to these sanctioned vessels,” the statement reads.
Operators will be compelled to take longer and more costly routes or risk being halted by British forces. Each interception operation will require government approval. Keir Starmer is expected to discuss this issue on Thursday at a Joint Expeditionary Force summit in Helsinki, involving ten northern European countries led by the UK.
U.S. Announces Temporary Lifting of Certain Restrictions on Russian Oil
This development comes as Washington has announced a temporary easing of certain restrictions on Russian oil to help curb rising prices amid the Middle Eastern conflict.
“Vladimir Putin is rubbing his hands (…) because he believes that rising oil prices will allow him to fill his coffers,” stated Keir Starmer, as cited in the statement. “That is why we are taking even tougher measures against his phantom fleet,” he added. According to London, “75% of Russia’s crude oil is transported by this dilapidated fleet.”
In January, London supported Washington in an American operation to seize a Russian-linked tanker, formerly known as Bella 1, in the North Atlantic. France, Belgium, Finland, and other European nations have recently seized ships suspected of evading sanctions, allegedly belonging to Russia’s “phantom fleet.” “Following an interception, legal proceedings may be initiated against the owners, operators, and crew for violating UK sanctions legislation,” said Downing Street.
