Summary
Despite UK promises to take tough action, dozens of sanctioned Russian oil tankers have sailed through the English Channel in recent weeks. These tankers are part of a "shadow fleet" used by Russia to bypass sanctions on its oil exports. The UK has not yet seized any of these vessels independently, although it has legal grounds to do so.
Key Facts
- The UK has sanctioned many Russian oil tankers as part of its response to Russia's actions in Ukraine.
- Some of these sanctioned tankers have passed through the English Channel despite the UK’s stated intent to act against them.
- The tankers are part of a "shadow fleet," which uses tactics like obscuring ownership to avoid sanctions.
- UK authorities recently received legal advice that allows them to detain these vessels.
- One tanker, the Sofos, traveled from Venezuela to the UK and is now near St Petersburg.
- Another tanker, the Nasledie, changed its name and registry to evade detection.
- The UK's Foreign Secretary has pledged to take stronger actions against these vessels.
- Although involved in joint operations with other countries, the UK has not independently seized any of the shadow fleet vessels so far.
