UK Yet to Seize Russian Shadow Fleet Tankers Over Cost, Legal Concerns

The UK has yet to seize any Russian “shadow fleet” tankers despite pledges, amid concerns over high costs, legal risks, and handling of crews. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied The oil tanker “Grinch”, suspected of belonging to the Russian’s shadow fleet, is seen outside the coast of Martigues near the port of Marseille-Fos on January 25, 2026, as it’s surveilled by the French Navy. (Photo by Thibaud MORITZ / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google The UK has not detained a single Russian “shadow fleet” tanker despite pledges to crack down on the vessels, reportedly due to concerns over the high cost of maintaining them in British ports. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged last month to “go after” Russian tankers flying false flags. Under his plans, the vessels can be boarded by special forces and officers from the National Crime Agency. However, no such actions have been carried out. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . According to The Times , disagreements within the government over where seized vessels would be held and which department would cover the costs have stalled enforcement. Officials fear expenses could reach tens of millions of pounds per tanker. Britain has also raised legal and security concerns. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood are said to have warned that seizures could create grounds for Russian-linked crews or mercenaries to seek asylum in the UK. Western officials estimate Russia’s shadow fleet includes about 700 vessels and accounts for roughly 40% of its oil exports, helping Moscow bypass international sanctions imposed over its war in Ukraine. While the UK has supported allied efforts, including assisting a US operation earlier this year to seize a tanker, it has so far avoided leading such actions. Recent incidents, including sanctioned tankers transiting the English Channel under Russian naval escort, demonstrated the challenges of enforcement. Other Topics of Interest Radev Wins Bulgaria in Landslide as Pro-Russian Turn Sparks EU Questions Rumen Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria wins a landslide in parliamentary elections, ending years of instability, with coalition talks and EU-Russia policy questions now ahead. President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Sunday, April 19, that the continued weakening of sanctions against Russia misrepresents the reality of the war and provides Moscow with the resources to escalate its aggression. “Every dollar for oil from Russia is money for war,” Zelensky wrote on social media after the US extended sanctions waiver for Russian oil despite pledges not to do so earlier. He said more than 110 tankers from Russia’s shadow fleet are currently at sea, carrying over 12 million tons of oil. Due to recent sanctions relief, this oil – valued at approximately $10 billion – can “again be sold without consequences,” providing a direct financial resource for new strikes against Ukraine. Zelensky said Ukraine’s long-range strikes would continue to target Russia’s oil exports, with strikes on Russian oil terminals – particularly those on Baltic ports – having reached a near-daily frequency ahead of last week’s Easter ceasefire . Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.