More than 200 sanctioned Russian tankers have sailed through UK waters since Sir Keir Starmer announced new powers to seize “shadow fleet” ships, The i Paper can reveal.
The Prime Minister said he was going after the fleet of vessels sailing under false flags to evade sanctions, arguing that Vladimir Putin “should be in no doubt” that Britain would fight against the illicit network.
Since his announcement, at least 205 sanctioned tankers have sailed through the UK’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), according to data provided by Starboard Maritime Intelligence. Of those, 84 entered Britain’s territorial waters – a buffer zone of 12 nautical miles (13 miles) from the coast where authorities have more power to act under international laws.
As UK intelligence chiefs warn against the Kremlin’s daily attacks on the UK through sabotage, cyber attacks, and disinformation, the shadow fleet has continued to enjoy free passage past UK shores.
Emboldened Putin
