Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent decision to allow the British military to board ships from Russia’s “shadow fleet” has not changed the volume of these vessels passing through UK waters, according to a Reuters analysis. In the month after Starmer’s March 25 announcement, at least 98 Russian ships under UK sanctions traveled through its waters, consistent with numbers from previous months. No boarding or detention of these ships has been reported, despite their involvement in transporting oil, grains, and arms, often aiding Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Tracking data shows that 63 ships passed within 12 nautical miles off the English Channel, and 35 others entered Britain’s Exclusive Economic Zone, particularly around northern Scotland. Maritime security expert Elisabeth Braw criticized the lack of action following the threat, suggesting that without follow-through, vessels might see the announcement as an empty threat. Other European nations have successfully boarded Russian shadow fleet vessels. The UK’s Ministry of Defence did not respond to inquiries about its inaction. Britain has 544 Russia-linked vessels on its sanctions list. The Kremlin labeled the UK’s policy as a hostile act that could invite retaliation, while analysts noted the UK’s challenges due to a lack of dedicated enforcement resources and complex legal issues.
With information from Reuters
