“Putin rubs his hands at war in the Middle East”: British army authorized to control Russian tankers

An escalation against Moscow’s ghost fleet. The United Kingdom now authorizes its armed forces to board Russian tankers which attempt to venture into British waters, according to announcements from the Prime Minister.

“Vladimir Putin is rubbing his hands at the war in the Middle East, because he thinks that rising oil prices will allow him to get rich. “That is why we are intensifying our efforts to neutralize its clandestine fleet, not only to ensure our security, but also to deprive its war machine of the profits which finance its barbaric campaign in Ukraine,” declared Keir Starmer on Wednesday.

600 oil tankers potentially targeted

While the Royal Navy has already participated in operations against these ships alongside its allies, the Prime Minister’s decision will allow the British armed forces or law enforcement to go further to combat the tanker fleet.

Before any boarding, the situation of each vessel will be examined by the competent authorities, who will make a recommendation to the ministers. Owners, operators and crew could be prosecuted for violating sanctions legislation.

The new rules would only apply to UK-sanctioned vessels, more than 600 boats, and detected in UK waters only.

In January, British Defense Minister John Healey suggested using “military options” against ships under sanctions, proposing that any seized oil could be sold and the proceeds sent to Ukraine.