UK prep to board Russia's shadow fleet in UK waters
UK prep to board Russia's shadow fleet in UK waters
Britain moves to seize sanctioned Russian ships in UK waters as Starmer tees up action ahead of a Helsinki security summit.
Britain is in advanced preparations to board and detain ships linked to Russia’s shadow fleet in UK waters, after the prime minister approved military action against the vessels. Russia has been accused of operating ships without a valid flag to dodge sanctions on oil and to help fund Moscow’s war. A legal basis identified in January would allow forces to board sanctioned vessels in UK waters, and officials expect the first operation to happen soon. Sir Keir Starmer said the move would starve Putin's war machine of the dirty profits that fund his barbaric campaign.
The government notes that around 75% of Russia's crude oil is transported by ageing ships and has sanctioned about 544 vessels believed to be part of the shadow fleet. While no UK personnel have boarded any vessels yet, training for various scenarios has been completed, with specialists prepared for rapid action. Possible units could include the Special Boat Service and the Royal Marines, depending on the level of resistance expected from crews.
Royal Navy personnel have supported monitoring and tracking of shadow fleet vessels alongside partners in Finland, Sweden and Estonia in recent weeks. The first operation would come as the prime minister arrives in Helsinki for the Joint Expeditionary Force summit, where he is expected to address leaders amid ongoing concerns about Russia’s maritime activities. The move underscores a broader push to disrupt funding streams linked to Moscow’s war while maintaining careful steps in a complex legal and operational landscape.
