British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Wednesday that he has authorized the military to board and detain Russian ships suspected of being part of a network facilitating Moscow’s oil exports despite Western sanctions.
This decision comes as other European nations have intensified efforts to disrupt Russia’s shadow fleet, vessels used by Moscow to fund its war against Ukraine.
Starmer stated his approval for more aggressive action due to the significant rise in oil prices caused by the US-Israel conflict, which he believes is likely causing satisfaction to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The British military and law enforcement officials are preparing to board any armed or non-compliant vessels that do not surrender, with potential criminal proceedings against owners, operators, and crew for violating sanctions legislation.
Russia’s reliance on this shadow fleet has allowed it to continue oil exports without Western restrictions since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
European efforts were temporarily undermined when US President Donald Trump granted a 30-day waiver for countries to purchase sanctioned Russian products currently stranded at sea, aimed at stabilizing global energy markets affected by Iran’s war.
Starmer made this announcement ahead of his attendance at the Joint Expeditionary Force Summit in Helsinki on Thursday, where Britain will advocate for increased coordination in seizing shadow fleet vessels.
Britain has imposed sanctions on 544 Russian shadow fleet vessels, which occasionally transit through the Channel separating Britain and France. Approximately three-quarters of Russia’s crude oil is transported by these ships, with concerns over environmental risks due to poorly regulated, aging tankers that could pose significant threats to marine ecosystems.