Russian shadow fleet defiantly steams through English Channel despite Keir Starmer's threats to seize it

Russian shadow fleet tankers sanctioned by the UK have been able to pass freely through the English Channel despite Keir Starmer's declaration that British forces would intercept such vessels. At least six of the vessels, used to prop up Moscow’s crippled oil industry, have steamed through despite the Prime Minister’s pledge to “go after the shadow fleet even harder”. The Vayu 1, sanctioned for transporting Russian oil, came within approximately six nautical miles of Dover on Thursday, according to ship-tracking information. Two RAF Shadow R1 surveillance aircraft monitored the Channel for several hours as the sanctioned ships transited. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The tankers passed numerous crucial British military installations without challenge, including the Royal Navy headquarters at Portsmouth, the Special Boat Service base at Poole, and several Royal Marine facilities along the south coast. A defence source said the Government would not comment on specific operational planning, arguing that doing so could undermine efforts to act against these vessels and would only benefit adversaries. Officials have indicated that each target ship undergoes individual assessment by a combined team of law enforcement officers, military personnel and energy market specialists before any operation proceeds. When questioned about why no action was taken, the Ministry of Defence stated that "any enforcement action is considered on a case-by-case basis". James Turner KC, a maritime law expert and former Royal Marine, explained that vessels retain the right of "innocent passage" through territorial waters regardless of sanctions status. However, this protection has limits. Ships can lawfully be stopped if they are engaged in smuggling, slave trading, piracy, or operating under a false flag. "If they are behaving themselves, you can't stop them," Mr Turner told The Sun. Moscow’s shadow fleet plays a crucial role in funding Russia's military operations in Ukraine. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Houthis enter Iran war and launch missiles at Israel as Britons warned of FURTHER oil price rises Donald Trump names next country he will target as part of 'peace through strength' plan Church at risk of closing down after planning row escalates over parking site Government estimates suggest that approximately three-quarters of Moscow's crude oil output is transported by these vessels, which account for around 40 per cent of all Russian oil exports. Britain has imposed sanctions on 544 ships in the Russian shadow fleet, more than any other nation. Ministers claim these measures are having an impact, with sanctioned vessels carrying an estimated £1.2billion less oil during the first quarter of 2025 than in the same period last year. The continued flow of Russian ships through British waters comes after it emerged that the Prime Minister's delay in granting formal authorisation to seize the ships allowed dozens of vessels to pass. In January, the decision to allow the interceptions was announced, but ministers spent the following two months attempting to establish a legal justification for the order. Attorney General Lord Hermer met northern European allies earlier this month to address the matter as ships, crucial to propping up Moscow’s collapsing oil exports, steamed through British waters. Reports indicate at least 42 sanctioned Russian vessels passed through unchallenged, although the actual figure is believed to be considerably higher. Announcing the official authorisation to seize Russian vessels, Sir Keir said: "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." Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

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