Russia cautions the UK against interfering with its shadow fleet tankers, as tensions rise over potential boarding operations by European allies.
Russia has warned Britain not to interfere with shadow fleet tankers carrying Russian oil, after UK officials signaled a willingness to join European allies in boarding stateless vessels, reported Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Executive.
The tankers transit near the UK en route from the Baltic to Asia, prompting London to consider joint interdiction campaigns with EU forces. Russia denounced the idea as 'piracy' and stated it could impede oil revenues.
Interdictions of Russia-linked tonnage have already occurred. Finnish forces boarded the Eagle S in late 2024, France boarded the Pushpa (Boracay) in October 2025, and US forces seized the stateless Bella 1 (Marinera) earlier this month, drawing protests from Moscow. Russia reported that two crew members remain detained.
Germany recently queried the tanker Arcusat over insurance and flag status, forcing it to reverse course in the Baltic. Officials suggested a broader campaign could extend to vessels approaching Russia's western oil ports.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper attended a Finnish Border Guard boarding demonstration last week and stated that Britain was ready to work with allies on stronger enforcement, though she provided no details.
Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin responded angrily, warning that tankers may soon be escorted by Russian government vessels. He compared British plans to the piracy of Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard, and asserted that Britain was no longer 'ruler of the seas.'
