The British Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies are now empowered to intercept UK-sanctioned ships navigating through its waters, including the English Channel, according to a statement from Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office.
The UK has sanctioned 544 vessels suspected of being part of Russia’s “ghost fleet,” predominantly comprising outdated oil tankers. This fleet has enabled Moscow to circumvent Western sanctions since the Ukraine conflict began in 2022. “The UK is tightening restrictions on this fleet by closing its waters, including the English Channel, to sanctioned ships,” the statement explained.
Operators will be compelled to take longer, more costly routes or risk being halted by British forces. Each operation requires government approval. Keir Starmer is expected to address this issue on Thursday at a summit of the Joint Expeditionary Force, a UK-led alliance of ten Northern European countries, in Helsinki.
US Lifts Some Restrictions on Russian Oil Temporarily
This move coincides with Washington’s announcement to temporarily lift certain restrictions on Russian oil to ease rising prices amidst the Middle East conflict.
“Vladimir Putin is rubbing his hands together (…) because he thinks rising oil prices will line his pockets,” Keir Starmer stated in the release. “That’s why we are taking even tougher measures against his ghost fleet,” he added. According to London, “75% of Russia’s crude is transported by this rundown fleet.”
Back in January, London supported an American operation to seize a Russian-linked tanker, the Marinera—previously known as Bella 1—in the North Atlantic. France, Belgium, Finland, and other European nations have recently confiscated ships suspected of evading sanctions, which are believed to be part of Russia’s “ghost fleet.” “Following the interception of a vessel, legal proceedings may be initiated against the owners, operators, and crew for violating UK sanctions law,” stated Downing Street.
