London (TDI): British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has authorised the military to board and detain vessels suspected of being part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” a network used to bypass Western sanctions and sustain oil exports.
The move comes as European countries intensify efforts to curb Moscow’s ability to fund its war in Ukraine. Starmer said tougher action was necessary, warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin stands to benefit from rising oil prices driven by ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Reuters reported.
“That’s why we’re going after his shadow fleet even harder… starving Putin’s war machine of the profits that fund his campaign in Ukraine,” Starmer said.
According to Downing Street, British military and law enforcement agencies have been preparing for operations targeting vessels that refuse to comply, are potentially armed, or attempt to evade monitoring through advanced surveillance methods.
Authorities said that once boarded, ships found in violation of sanctions could lead to criminal proceedings against their owners, operators, and crew.
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Russia has increasingly relied on these vessels to maintain oil exports despite restrictions imposed after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The tankers often operate under opaque ownership structures, making enforcement more difficult.
European efforts to tighten pressure have faced challenges, however. The administration of US President Donald Trump recently allowed a temporary waiver enabling countries to purchase sanctioned Russian oil currently at sea, in a bid to stabilise global energy markets disrupted by the Iran conflict.
Starmer is expected to raise the issue at the upcoming Joint Expeditionary Force Summit in Helsinki, where Britain will push for stronger coordination among allies to seize shadow fleet vessels.
The UK has already sanctioned more than 500 such ships, which frequently pass through key waterways such as the English Channel. Officials estimate that a significant portion of Russia’s crude exports is transported through this network.
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Beyond sanctions evasion, the vessels have also raised environmental concerns. Many are ageing tankers with poor regulatory oversight, increasing the risk of oil spills, mechanical failures, and damage to marine ecosystems.
