UK threatens seizure of Russian shadow fleet tankers
British defence sources told The Guardian that military options to seize tankers linked to Russia's shadow fleet were discussed with NATO allies, following a recent US seizure and rising detections of falsely flagged vessels.
- The Guardian reports the UK has identified military options to seize tankers linked to Russia's shadow fleet during talks with NATO allies.
- Lloyd's List Intelligence detected 23 falsely flagged shadow fleet vessels in the English Channel and Baltic in January, many carrying Russian oil to China, India and Turkiye.
- The United States, with British assistance, seized the tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic last month after it attempted to evade capture.
- A joint statement from the UK, Germany, France and other NATO countries said all vessels must comply with international law, but legal concerns and fears of escalation have so far limited coordinated seizures.
- Some countries have detained then released shadow fleet tankers under domestic law, officials say seized oil could be sold to support Ukraine, and the wider economic impact on Russia remains unclear amid falling oil revenues.