UK authorizes military to inspect and seize Russian shadow fleet tankers

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has authorized the Royal Navy and special forces to board, inspect, and potentially seize tankers operating within the so-called Russian shadow fleet. These vessels, which are characterized by opaque ownership and aging infrastructure, are suspected of circumventing Western sanctions by transporting Russian oil. The fleet often utilizes practices such as changing flags, disabling tracking systems, and conducting ship-to-ship transfers to avoid detection. Estimates suggest these tankers facilitate up to 75% of Russia's global oil trade, serving as a significant source of financing for the Russian economy during the ongoing war in Ukraine. Analysts view this decision as a strategic shift from passive monitoring to the active enforcement of sanctions imposed over the last four years. The policy allows for the seizure of vessels and legal action against involved companies and crews. However, experts warn that this directive increases the risk of diplomatic and military escalation between London and Moscow.