London: At least 25 Russian oil tankers under United Kingdom sanctions have continued to pass through British waters in recent days, even after the government warned it could stop and board such vessels.
The warning was issued after Prime Minister Keir Starmer approved powers that allow authorities to intercept ships linked to Russia’s so called shadow fleet. These vessels are believed to be helping Moscow export oil and avoid Western sanctions linked to the war in Ukraine.
Despite the strong message, there have been no confirmed cases of British forces boarding or seizing any of the ships so far. Many of the vessels have continued to move through key routes such as the English Channel without interruption.
Officials say legal limits make enforcement difficult. Under international maritime law, ships are generally allowed to pass through territorial waters as long as they do not pose a direct threat or break specific rules. This makes it challenging for the UK to take action without clear legal grounds.
There are also concerns about rising tensions with Russia. Moscow has already described the UK’s move as hostile and warned that it could respond if its vessels are stopped. This has made authorities cautious about taking steps that could escalate the situation.
The ships involved are part of a wider network often described as a shadow fleet. These tankers are usually older and operate under unclear ownership or weak regulation. They are used to transport Russian oil outside the reach of sanctions imposed by Western countries.
While some vessels are believed to have adjusted their routes after the UK warning, many others have continued as usual. This has raised questions about how effective the threat of enforcement has been.
Some experts say the UK risks appearing hesitant if it does not act after issuing strong warnings. Others argue that any direct action must be carefully considered to avoid legal disputes or a wider conflict.
The situation comes as Western countries continue efforts to limit Russia’s oil income, which remains a key source of funding for its military activities in Ukraine.