UK Authorizes Armed Forces to Board Russian Oil Tankers in British Waters

The UK government has authorized its armed forces to board Russian oil tankers in British waters, aiming to enforce sanctions against vessels attempting to evade restrictions. This decision allows British forces to take direct action against the so-called "shadow fleet"—aging tankers that often use false national flags or opaque ownership structures to export Russian crude oil while circumventing Western sanctions.

Previously, the Royal Navy collaborated with allies in monitoring these vessels. For instance, last week, it assisted in tracking a sanctioned Russian oil tanker in the Mediterranean, which was subsequently boarded by the French navy. The new authorization enables British armed forces or law enforcement to take more assertive measures against such vessels within UK territorial waters.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Putin is rubbing his hands at the war in the Middle East because he thinks higher oil prices will let him line his pockets. That’s why we’re going after his shadow fleet even harder, not just keeping Britain safe but starving Putin’s war machine of the dirty profits that fund his barbaric campaign in Ukraine. He and his cronies should be in no doubt we will always defend our sovereignty and stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes."

The UK has sanctioned over 600 vessels in coordination with the EU and US. The new rules apply specifically to those sanctioned by the UK. In January, Defence Secretary John Healey suggested the use of "military options" against sanctioned vessels, proposing that any seized oil could be sold, with proceeds directed to Ukraine.

The authorization comes ahead of the Joint Expeditionary Force Summit in Helsinki, where Starmer will meet with leaders from the UK-led alliance focused on maritime security. The summit will discuss strategies to combat Russia's sanction-evading activities. Other member countries, including Finland, Sweden, and Estonia, have already conducted operations against suspected shadow fleet vessels in the Baltic Sea.

Russia has warned that direct action against its vessels could lead to conflict. Nikolai Patrushev, head of Russia’s maritime board, stated last month that the Russian navy should be prepared to counter what he described as "western piracy."

Before any ship is boarded, its situation will be assessed by law enforcement, military, and energy market specialists, with recommendations made to ministers. Seizure could be followed by criminal proceedings against the owners, operators, and crew for breaches of UK sanctions legislation.