UK will detain tankers belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet”

This move will close key maritime routes to sanctioned vessels, particularly the English Channel. This will force operators to either choose longer and more expensive routes or risk being detained by the British military.

"Putin is rubbing his hands together over the war in the Middle East because he thinks higher oil prices will allow him to line his pockets. That is precisely why we are cracking down even harder on his shadow fleet. We are not only safeguarding Britain’s security, but also depriving Putin’s war machine of the dirty profits that fund his barbaric campaign in Ukraine. He and his accomplices should have no doubt: we will always defend our sovereignty and support Ukraine for as long as it takes,” he said.

Military and law enforcement personnel are preparing to seize Russian vessels that refuse to surrender, are armed, or use high-tech surveillance to evade capture in order to avoid detention.

Criminal charges may be brought against the owners, operators, and crews of vessels that have been detained for violating British sanctions legislation.

Photo: Channel 24.