UK readies to board shadow fleet ships to choke Putin's war funding
UK readies to board shadow fleet ships to choke Putin's war funding
British forces prepare to board sanctioned Russian shadow fleet vessels in UK waters, aiming to cut off profits funding Moscow's war as leaders gather in Helsinki.
Britain is moving closer to a bold step after the government approved actions to board ships believed to form Russia's shadow fleet in UK waters. The first operation could come soon, with trained units ready to detain vessels that operate under flags or arrangements designed to dodge sanctions and fund Moscow's war in Ukraine.
Ministers identified a legal basis in January that would allow forces to board sanctioned vessels in UK waters, a framework now activated in anticipation of possible seizures. The move comes amid long-running efforts to disrupt oil sales linked to the shadow fleet and to tighten the financial squeeze on Russia's war machine.
Officials say around 75% of Russia's crude oil is transported by ageing ships, and sanctions have targeted about 544 vessels believed to be involved in such trade. The numbers underline why deterring, boarding or detaining ships in UK waters is seen as a potentially powerful tactic in cutting off funding for Moscow's campaign.
Special operations could involve the Special Boat Service and the Royal Marines, depending on the level of resistance expected from crews aboard the shadow vessels. Training and wargaming in recent weeks have aimed to prepare for a range of scenarios, including armed confrontations at sea.
The government says the threat from Russia remains real and pressing, even as attention parts for other regional conflicts. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who arrives in Helsinki for the Joint Expeditionary Force summit, framed the step as starving Putin's war machine of the profits that fund his barbaric campaign. Royal Navy personnel have already supported monitoring and tracking of shadow fleet vessels with partner countries in the region, signaling a broad, alliance-backed approach to enforcement.
