UK defends seizing shadow fleet tanker after Putin threat
Summary
The UK seized a Russian oil tanker called the Smyrtos in the English Channel, accusing it of breaking sanctions on Russian oil. Russian President Putin said Russia might respond with similar actions against Western ships. The UK says its actions follow international law and aim to stop Russia’s efforts to avoid sanctions.Key Facts
- The UK intercepted and boarded the Russian tanker Smyrtos in June near Weymouth.
- The tanker’s captain, Ajay Pant, faces charges of violating Russian sanctions.
- President Vladimir Putin called the seizure "piracy" and warned Russia might respond similarly anywhere.
- Russia’s Pacific Fleet commander accused Western countries of having their own “shadow fleets.”
- The UK government says its forces act under international law to disrupt Russia’s shadow fleet.
- Russia is believed to use a large fleet of vessels to move sanctioned oil, helping fund its war in Ukraine.
- The EU has sanctioned over 630 vessels linked to this “shadow fleet” and banned them from EU ports.
- Several European countries have seized or inspected Russian-linked vessels suspected of breaking sanctions.
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