Russian ships continue to pass despite Starmer's threats
The decision by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to allow the British military to stop and board ships from Russia's so-called 'shadow fleet' has not led to a reduction in their passage through United Kingdom waters, as almost the same number of vessels continued to sail in British waters, according to a Reuters analysis published today.
TL;DR
- Russian 'shadow fleet' ships continue to pass through UK waters at a similar rate despite a new policy allowing the British military to stop and board them.
- In the month following the March 25th announcement, at least 98 sanctioned Russian vessels transited the area, with no reports of ships being stopped or detained.
- These vessels, often with unclear ownership, transport oil, grain, and weapons, frequently supporting Russia's war in Ukraine.
- Data shows 63 ships passed within 12 nautical miles of the coast in the Channel, and 35 moved through the UK's exclusive economic zone, mainly around northern Scotland.
- At least 10 ships used 'spoofing' (disabling or manipulating tracking systems) while passing through British waters.
- The Kremlin has declared the sanctions against Russian ships illegal and characterized the UK's policy as a 'deeply hostile move' that could provoke a response.