The UK faces mounting pressure as the Putin shadow fleet navigates the Channel. Consequently, Moscow sent a frigate to escort sanctioned oil tankers.
The Admiral Grigorovich, a Russian Black Sea fleet frigate, shadowed two tankers while a British naval vessel followed. Meanwhile, observers on the Royal Charlotte saw the flotilla pass nearly ten miles off Dover.
Last month, Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorized special forces to seize shadow fleet ships. He warned the vessels would face stricter action if they entered British waters. However, Britain has not yet captured any of these ships.
Critics argue the situation exposes weaknesses in the Royal Navy. For example, HMS Dragon, Britain’s only deployable destroyer, arrived late to the Middle East after a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri. Furthermore, it returned early due to water supply problems.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch plans to pressure Starmer over the delayed defence investment plan. She argues the government lacks a clear strategy to buy weapons and rearm the military. Therefore, she calls the delay a “national scandal.”
The US and French navies have intercepted some shadow fleet tankers. Yet dozens of Russian vessels continue to pass through the Channel unchallenged. Analysts warn that the fleet disguises its ships under other national flags to evade sanctions.
The Universal tanker, banned for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine, traveled from Vysotsk in January. Meanwhile, the Enigma, sanctioned for funding Moscow, departed Primorsk in March. Both vessels sailed west toward Plymouth and Turkey.
Andrew Fox, retired Parachute Regiment major, said Russia aims to humiliate Britain. He stressed that cracking down on these tankers would weaken Putin’s war machine. Hence, he called the lack of action “a strategic failure.”
Under current plans, Royal Marines, SAS, and the Special Boat Service could seize tankers under sanctions legislation. However, Moscow has warned of retaliation. Andrei Kelin, Russia’s ambassador, stated that Britain must “consider consequences carefully” before acting.
Since January, more than 300 shadow fleet vessels passed through UK waters. Experts note seizing every ship would be impractical due to limited port space and required resources. Consequently, the UK continues monitoring the flotilla while coordinating with allies.
The Putin shadow fleet continues testing Britain’s naval and political resolve. Therefore, urgent action remains crucial to uphold sanctions and limit Russia’s war profits.
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