Russia has reportedly deployed a warship to provide protection to sanctioned vessels passing through the English Channel. The Admiral Grigorovich, a frigate from the Black Sea fleet, accompanied two shadow fleet ships on April 8, while the British naval vessel RFA Tideforce followed closely behind. The warship sailed between the two 600ft tankers as they made their way west toward Plymouth.
In March, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer authorized special forces to apprehend ships illegally transporting oil to aid Russia’s activities in Ukraine. Despite warnings that the shadow fleet would face severe consequences if entering British waters, no Russian vessels have been seized to date.
According to The Telegraph, the Universal set sail from a Russian port on January 18 with a mission to deliver crude oil to support Kremlin funds, but it was prohibited in British waters in September. Similarly, the Cameroon-flagged Enigma departed from a different Russian port on March 29 en route to Turkey, and it was sanctioned by the UK in May for contributing funds to the Kremlin.
Retired major in the Parachute Regiment, Andrew Fox, expressed concerns that Russia’s actions are aimed at embarrassing Britain and perpetuating the conflict in Ukraine by ensuring a continuous supply of oil. He emphasized the importance of cracking down on these shadow fleet ships to deter such activities and make a statement against Putin’s regime.
There are discussions about potentially deploying the Royal Navy and the National Crime Agency to capture the tankers under the legal framework provided by sanctions legislation from 2018. Special forces units like the Special Boat Service and SAS could be tasked with seizing tankers with armed guards, while the Royal Marines could board vessels that do not pose immediate threats.
Moscow has issued warnings of retaliation if military forces are employed to seize the ships, indicating escalating tensions surrounding the situation.
